2020 Agricola Punica - Isola dei Nuraghi IGT Rosso Montessu

#6 - Wine Spectator's Top 10 Value Wines of 2024

Ranked #44 in Wine Spectator's Top 100 Wines of 2023

Appellation.
Etna D.O.C. Bianco

On the mountain.
Grapes selected from vineyards located on the Eastern and Southern slopes of Mount Etna, which are particularly suited in terms of high elevation and abundant luminosity.

In the vineyard.
Carricante 100%, Etna’s noble autochthonous white grape variety. The berry is medium-sized with very pruinose skin that is greenish-yellow in color. The bunches are of average length and scattered. The vines are grown on sandy, volcanic soils that are rich in minerals, with sub-acid reaction. Plants range in age from 20 to 60 years and are trained in both “alberello” (head-trained bush) and spurred cordon systems, with densities of 6,000 to 7,000 vinestocks per hectare and yields of 7,000 to 8,000 kg/ha. Vineyards vary in elevation from 700 m (c. 2,300 ft) to 950 m (c. 3,100 ft) a.s.l. The climate type ranges from high hill to mountain, with a humid and rainy cooler season, high ventilation and a significant diurnal range.

In the cellar.
The grapes are harvested by hand around mid-October, de-stemmed and soft-pressed. Fermentation lasts 12 days and takes place in stainless steel vats at a controlled temperature of 18°C, with the aid of Benanti’s own indigenous yeast, which was selected from local vineyards through years of research and experimentation in the celllar. The wine then matures in stainless steel on the fine lees for a while and then refines in the bottle for 2-3 months.

In the glass.
The wine has a pale yellow color, with bright greenish tints. The nose is intense and delicate with hints of apple. The palate is dry and mineral with pleasant acidity and salinity, persistent and harmonious.
Serving temperature: 10 – 12° C

At the table.
This wine pairs well with fish and seafood.