Benanti is one of the pioneering producers responsible for the renaissance of Etna wines. Founded in 1988 by Giuseppe Benanti, the family estate was among the first to recognise the extraordinary potential of Mount Etna's historic vineyards. Today, the winery is led by Antonio and Salvino Benanti, who continue to champion indigenous grape varieties and traditional viticulture across the volcano's diverse contrade (single-vineyard districts).

Contrada Monte Serra is situated on the south-eastern slope of Mount Etna near the village of Viagrande. The vineyard sits at approximately 500 metres above sea level on ancient volcanic soils rich in lava, ash and minerals. The old bush-trained (alberello) Nerello Mascalese vines produce wines noted for their elegance, floral aromatics and distinctive volcanic minerality. Benanti bottles each Contrada wine separately to express the unique terroir of Etna's individual vineyard sites.

The 2018 Contrada Monte Serra is made from 100% Nerello Mascalese sourced from a single historic vineyard. The wine is fermented with indigenous yeasts before ageing for around 12 months in used French oak tonneaux and further bottle maturation prior to release.

The 2018 vintage is refined, aromatic and structured rather than powerful. It displays vibrant red cherry, wild strawberry, rose petals, Mediterranean herbs and smoky volcanic minerality, supported by lively acidity, fine-grained tannins and remarkable freshness. Like many top Etna Rossos, it combines the perfume of Pinot Noir with the structure of Nebbiolo while remaining unmistakably volcanic in character.

" A meaty nose with notes of grilled thyme, rosemary, rose and strawberry. Medium-bodied with tightly knit, structured tannins. Nicely balanced, with less concentration than 2019 or 2020. Iron and stone come through clearly at the finish. Drink now." -- James Suckling