The 2021 Benanti Contrada Calderara Scottana Etna Rosso is a red wine crafted from a proprietary blend of grapes, grown on the northern slopes of Mount Etna in Sicily. This wine is noted for its complexity, balance, and distinctive character, reflective of its unique terroir.
Kerin O'Keefe, writing for kerinokeefe.com, awarded this wine a score of 93, highlighting its "fragrant aromas of iris, wild berry and French oak," with a palate featuring "fine-grained tannins" and flavors of "ripe red cherry, vanilla and licorice." O'Keefe's description emphasizes the wine's elegant and refined nature, offering a glimpse into the sophisticated experience it provides.
James Suckling, who rated this wine an impressive 95, describes it as having "aromas of cherries, oranges and flowers with some underlying smoke." He notes its "medium to full body" and "plush, open and velvety tannins that caress the palate," making it "juicy and flavorful." Suckling suggests that while the wine is already enticing, it will improve with a few more years of aging, recommending consumption after 2025.
Decanter magazine also praises the wine, giving it a score of 91. Their review points out the "earthy and juicy" character of the wine, with "plenty of wood and chocolate" and a mix of "red and black fruits" that result in a "very savoury expression." The wine's "lovely freshness and balance" are complemented by a "mineral edge on the finish."
Wine Spectator echoes these sentiments with a score of 91, describing the wine as "refined" with a "taut, well-knit frame of sandy tannins and orange peel acidity." The flavors include "macerated cherry, oolong tea leaf and minerally hints of smoke and stone," contributing to a "lingering finish."
Overall, the 2021 Benanti Contrada Calderara Scottana Etna Rosso is a well-regarded wine, noted for its complexity and potential for aging.