This wine has lived many incarnations over the years, yet it remains one of the fundamental bottles to set the parameters for what we expect of a great white wine (made with the Carricante grape) from Etna. The Benanti 2016 Etna Bianco Superiore Pietra Marina was first produced in 1990, and with over 30 years of winemaking history, this is indeed a historic achievement. Today, fruit comes from the eastern side of Etna from the Contrada Rinazzo at 800 meters in elevation. This is a precise and sharply etched white wine that is driven primarily by volcanic or mineral intensity. There are fruity and floral aromas, but they remain secondary to the ash and crushed stone that is center stage. The results are tight, precise and elegant. Production is 8,000 bottles. This is a gorgeous edition of the celebrated Pietra Marina.

Monica Larner - Wine Advocate (94+)