Tenuta delle Terre Nere Etna Rosso Sicily 2022

Description

One of the most exciting wines from Sicily. Marc de Grazia hails from Piemonte but championed the revival of Mt Etna wines back in the early 2000s when vineyards cost almost nothing - now land on this majestic volcano is some of the most sought after in Europe and the wines have become globally recognised for quality and distinctiveness. He created Tenuta della Terre Nere (land of the black earth) in 2002 and has been instrumental in identifying and classifying the finest 'cru', or Contrada as they are known locally, on the prestigious northern slopes of Mt Etna where the vines take some respite from the Mediterranean sun thanks to aspect and altitude.

Grapes for the Etna Rosso are grown right across the lower slopes of Etna at an altitude of over 500 metres - the local grape varieties for reds are the ancient pair of Nerello Mascalese (which dominates with its character and weight) and Nerello Cappuccio (a minor blending grape that brings colour and acidity). Notes of brimstone and strawberry, often a thrilling note of tangerine and blood orange, and a pale colour lead onto a surprising rich palate full of depth and nuance. Attractively rustic in nature, it shares some affinity with the charming elements of red Burgundy or Pinot Noir and also the tension and precision of great Nebbiolo.

The grapes are macerated until the end of fermentation. The wine then continues its life in wood until bottled roughly one year after harvest. Even young it is a distinguished wine. Fresh, fragrant, beautifully slender and with a fine grip, it has a natural polish, a stage presence, as it were. And, in aging, as its weave gathers into rich complexity. It is an aristocratically liberal wine: enjoy it with whatever food you wish, as long as its properly cooked.

Thanks to its volcanic origins this is a wine that really benefits from 30 minutes or more of decanting. A perennial favourite of staff and customers at Philglas & Swiggot. Produced from organically certified grapes.