2009 Etna Bianco Superiore Pietra Marina
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Tasting notes
100% Carricante. Gone through MLF. Brilliant deep straw. Waxy on the nose but drawn back. Fine lemon fruit and mouth-watering finish. Fine chalky texture. Slow to unfurl on the palate. Linear and yet with plenty of filling. Lemon-curd fruit finish that is completely dry. (WS)
Critic scores
Walter Speller, jancisrobinson.com
Julia Harding MW, jancisrobinson.com
More reviews and scores
Cuvée name has changed from Pietramarina to Pietra Marina. Smells of dusty stones and some gently honeyed citrus although it doesn't smell exactly sweet. Opens up to a delicate floral note and is surprisingly aromatic under all that stony minerality. Flavours of quince on the palate, with crisp acidity and plenty of tension. Power without weight. Sour/stony freshness characterises the finish but the fruit persists too. Long. (JH)
Carricante. Cuvée name changed from Pietramarina to Pietra Marina in 2009. Brooding and not yet open, yet perfumed. Invigorating acidity covers up sweet fruit. Salty notes on the finish. Very young. Etna’s answer to Riesling. (WS)
About the producer
Benanti is one of the founding fathers of modern-day wine in Sicily, with Giuseppe Benanti an early champion of wines made from the slopes of Mount Etna. Today the property is in the hands of Giuseppe’s children and remains one of the region’s leading names.