In the glass
Aroma: wild strawberry, rose petal, pink grapefruit
Palate: red cherry, citrus zest, mineral, fresh herbs
A pale, delicate Etna rosato from Nerello Mascalese: vibrant red-fruit aromatics, high acidity and a saline volcanic finish typical of the east-slope terroir.
What it pairs with
-
Grilled red mullet
The rosato's delicate fruit and salinity echo the sweet red mullet flesh. -
Sicilian arancini
Fresh acidity cuts the fried richness; the wine's light body refreshes. -
Tomato bruschetta with basil
Bright red-berry notes harmonise with the tomato's sweet acidity.
How to serve Benanti Etna Rosato
Allow 5 minutes from open to pour.
- Open and pour. Open and pour directly. No decanting required for this style.
- Serve at 8-10°C. Cellar temperature (8-10°C) is the band for this style. Warmer pushes alcohol forward; colder dampens aromatics.
- Glassware. Use a flute or tulip-shaped rosé glass: the bowl shape rewards the wine's structure.
- Pair with. Grilled red mullet, Sicilian arancini, Tomato bruschetta with basil. Match the wine's structure to the dish's fat and salt.
History
Benanti's Etna Rosato was introduced as consumer interest in Sicilian rose wines grew in the mid-2000s, showcasing the pale, elegant style that Nerello Mascalese produces when briefly skin-contacted. The wine captures the volcanic energy of the east slope in an immediately approachable format.
- 2005 — First rosato vintage added to the Benanti range
Facts
- Producer
- Benanti Viticoltori
- Grapes
- Nerello Mascalese
- Classification
- Etna Rosato DOC
- Oak
- Stainless steel only
- ABV
- 13.0%
- Price
- €18-28 at retail
- Drinking window
- 1-4 from vintage
- First vintage
- 2005
Frequently asked about Benanti Etna Rosato
What does Benanti Etna Rosato taste like?
On the nose, wild strawberry, rose petal, pink grapefruit. On the palate, red cherry, citrus zest, mineral, fresh herbs. Structurally light-bodied, low tannins, high acidity with a crisp, short-medium finish. A pale, delicate Etna rosato from Nerello Mascalese: vibrant red-fruit aromatics, high acidity and a saline volcanic finish typical of the east-slope terroir.
When should I drink Benanti Etna Rosato?
Drink 1-4 from vintage. Young vintages benefit from 30-90 minutes of decanting; mature bottles should be handled carefully for sediment.
What food pairs with Benanti Etna Rosato?
Grilled red mullet is the canonical pairing. Other strong matches include Sicilian arancini and Tomato bruschetta with basil. The rosato's delicate fruit and salinity echo the sweet red mullet flesh.
What grapes are in Benanti Etna Rosato?
The blend is Nerello Mascalese. The wine is classified as Etna Rosato DOC.