Description
“Proprietor Marc de Grazia is one of the pioneers of the Etna. Not only was he among the first producers to recognize the value of these once-forgotten, ancient terroirs, he also was the first producer to bring attention to the specific qualities of these vineyards by bottling single-parcel Nerellos that have become reference-point wines for the Etna.” The Wine Advocate
“Terre Nere’s wines all possessed unbelievable freshness and complexity as well as huge perfumes that suggested Pinot Noir…These wines are astonishingly complex and ethereal efforts from the hillsides of Mt. Etna in Sicily.” – Robert Parker
Having spent many years in the north of Italy shaking up the winemaking approach to Piedmont as one of the original Barolo Boys, Marco de Grazia on reaching Etna, developed a new vigour surrounding this unique winegrowing region. One that is defined by extreme weather, incredibly varied soil structures created from the caving in of the volcano tens of thousands of years ago, and the subsequent lava flows of the volcano that is still active today. Couple this with altitudes between 400-1000metres and a 360-degree site aspect circling the slopes of Mount Etna, this is a thought-provoking region.
Tenuta Delle Terre Nere released their first vintage in 2002. Marco is considered by many to be the pioneer of putting the region of Etna on the world map. He was the driving force behind convincing the Italian wine industry and the Ministry of Agriculture tounderstand the value of officially demarcating Contrada within their wine producing areas.
This classification system used was influenced by the well-known Burgundian model. Marco is a big fan of this classification systemand has integrated the model into his own line-up. The Bianco and Rosso represent more geographically generic wines, though TdTN still grow organically and meticulously at this level. Their ‘cru’ wines depict the Contrada or the village they are from and are further elevated with single vineyards he considers to be at ‘grand cru’ level.
About this wine: Made predominantly from Nerello Mascalese with a splash (around 1-2%) of Nerello Cappuccio from low-yielding vineyards, both younger and old. The grapes were macerated until the end of fermentation, which is generally around 10 days. The wine then continued its life in large botti until bottled roughly one year after harvest. Fresh, fragrant and lithe with a fine tannin grip, this is young Nerello Mascalese in a generously fruited and approachable form with plenty to offer.
This is classic Etna Rosso from one of the leading producers in the region. Despite a challenging, low yielding vintage in 2023, the quality is sensational with amplified concentration, intensity and brightness.
“Etna Rosso … It’s easily one of the best buys coming out of Etna today..” Eric Guido, Vinous Media.
92 points, Eric Guido, Vinous Media “The 2023 Etna Rosso seduces with a burst of ripe cherries, cloves and sweet rose aromas. This is an energetic and wickedly fresh effort with a cascade of wild berry fruit and crunchy mineral tones that flow beneath an air of violet inner florals. A coating of fine tannins frames the finish without slowing its momentum as this tapers off with amazing length and a saturation of raspberry. The 2023 aims to please.” May 2025
From his article in Vinous Media, May 2025 : An Eruption of Fine Wine on Mount Etna, Eric Guido writes: “Leave it to Marco de Grazia of Tenuta delle Terre Nere to take what many consider a difficult, lower-quality vintage and turn out a lineup of wines that exceeded expectations—and left this taster in awe. Interestingly, when I asked many producers how they adapted their winemaking in a challenging year like 2023, the most common answer was: “We didn’t change anything.” That’s a disappointing reality at many estates, but not here. De Grazia described 2023 as the most difficult vintage he’s experienced on Etna. Spring rains totaling around 400 millimeters triggered a devastating outbreak of downy mildew, cutting yields by up to 70% on the northern slopes. The eastern side was largely spared, which helps explain the strength of Terre Nere’s whites. The wet spring gave way to a hot, drought-stricken summer, leading to thicker skins and uneven ripening, as many vines shut down under hydric stress. Fortunately, light rains in September and ideal conditions through October helped save the harvest. The team responded with intense selection in both vineyard and cellar, followed by shorter macerations and minimal pumpovers. The resulting 2023s in bottle are some of the most exotic, finessed and elegant wines Terre Nere has ever produced. They deliver immense pleasure, but in some cases, such as the San Lorenzo, they reach a new level of depth and texture.”
RRP $79 Our Price $69.99
