Benanti Etna Bianco 2014

Antonio Giuseppe and Salvino Benanti

Benanti Family At the end of the 1800's, Giuseppe Benanti, grandfather of Dr. Giuseppe Benanti, began the production of wines on one of his father's old farms on the slopes of Mount Etna, at Viagrande (Catania). In 1988, Giuseppe Benanti revived the family's old passion, with an extensive and selective study of theEtnean soils highly devoted to viticulture. He also investigated particular clones of indigenous vines and new oenological techniques to reproduce ancient fragrances using the most modern practices of vinification, in a perfect union of history and reality. From this five year study, wines of unique taste were produced recreating old flavors and keeping them intact over time. Our wines have a strong personality and carry the culture and passion for wine of the Benanti family, always driven by respect for the places, terroir and old "palmenti". This passion, after revealing the marvels of the Etnean territory, has guided them to Pantelleria and then Pachino.

Benanti Etna Bianco 2014   Dark straw-yellow. Stone fruits, herbs and wildflowers on the enticing nose. Then rich, dense and deep on the palate, with bright, juicy flavors of stone fruits, lemon and sweet botanical herb. The long, saline finish offers intriguing hints of rosemary, minerals and cardamom. 91 Points Vinous

La Poderina Rosso di Montalcino 2013

Harvest at La Poderina

La Poderina Winery Founded in 1988, La Poderina is located in the Castelnuovo dell'Abate zone of Montalcino, an area noted for the elegance and balance of its grapes.  The estate resides southeast of ­Montalcino's historic town center and consists of consists of 120 acres. Especialized in the cultivation of Sangiovese Grosso, La Poderina has 25 acres of vineyards dedicated to the ­production of Brunello, 11 acres of vineyards dedicated to the production of Rosso di ­Montalcino and 11 acres of vineyards dedicated to the production of Sangiovese.   La Poderina has an integrated philosophy that incorporates innovative techniques in order to further Montalcino's traditional wines.  To this end, La Poderina ages its wines in both French barriques and larger botti, giving the final wines restrained oak notes that still showcase unique characteristics of this region's Sangiovese.  Yield levels arecareful monitored in order to ­cultivate concentrated flavor profiles.  Each vine produces yields far below the guidelines set out by the appellation.

La Poderina Rosso di Montalcino 2013   A striking, captivating wine, the 2013 Rosso DI Montalcino jumps from the glass with cherry compote, rose petals, crushed rocks and mint.  The flavors are bold yet crystalline, with remarkable purity and palpable sense of urgency that is compelling. There is so much to like in this distinguished Rosso from La Poderina. 91 Points Vinous