Davide Bentivegna - Etnella
SICILY
Sicily, with its high sunny slopes and fresh winds off the sea, has a few surprises in store, a cut above the largely unexciting wines which unfortunately dominate the island's reputation. Its most emblematic terroir – certainly its most impressive – are the volcanic slopes of Etna, in the North-East of the island. When Davide Bentivegna became a winegrower, he chose to express the different qualities of this unique terroir.
Having held an executive position in industry, Davide Bentivegna changed course and returned to his native land on the volcanic slopes of Etna in 2008, beginning a project, named Etnella, which would encapsulate viticulture, olive and fruit groves, and agritourism. The estate – now counting 19 hectares – includes 7 hectares of vines, spread over 7 “contrada” on the North/North-East side of the volcano, and 7 “crus”, each with their distinct characteristics. All his vineyards are situated on terraces, at an altitude of between 600 and 1000m, with big differences in daytime and night-time temperatures. A fine balance between ripeness and freshness characterise wines made from Nerello Mascalese, the famed local red grape variety, blended with Nerello Cappuccio, as well as the white varietal, Carricante. Utmost respect for the environment and biodiversity, organic farming practices and very minimal additions of copper and sulphur, natural vinification: such is the philosophy of this producer, in his devotion to the powerful nature of the volcano. "Austerity of the mountain, sapidity of the sea", neatly summarises the character of these Etna wines from Davide Bentivegna.
