Tenuta delle Terre Nere

The 2020 Terre Nere Etna Rosato opens tasty and animating in the glass. On the nose, notes of fresh almonds, dried flowers, smoky tangerines and maritime minerals. On the palate with excellent, silky texture and ripe melon with white stone fruit. A salty character hovers over everything, mingling with vibrant acidity and traces of tannin, providing plenty of tension and balance. A fabulous rosé and worth every euro. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2020 Etna Rosato lifts up wonderfully fresh and perfumed, offering notes of sweet peach and white smoke backed by honeyed florals and wedges of candied lime. It's silky-smooth and round yet spry, washing nuances of ripe pear and nectarine across a core of saturating saline-minerality. There's simply so much going on here for a Rosato as the 2020 punches well above its class, finishing incredibly long yet juicy, and fizzling out to hints of sour citrus and cheek-puckering green apple." Vinous

"A delicate and refreshing wine for a Mediterranean rosé with plenty of nectarine character and subtle wild-herb notes. Beautiful balance on the medium-bodied palate, then a bone-dry finish with pronounced mineral freshness." James Suckling

"Lightly hued, this refined, onion-colored rosato, made with organically grown Nerello Mascalese grapes, has delicate aromas suggesting Mediterranean scrub and wild berries. The dry, savory palate offers pomegranate, peach and citrus before a tangy mineral finish suggesting oyster shell." Wine Enthusiast

Dark, radiant ruby red. Pure and elegant, with spicy herbal aromas and fresh fruit notes of cherry and redcurrant. Subtle with a beautiful fruity play, delicate vein of salt, yet compact and full of harmony. A Rosso with the almost Burgundian finesse and length of a Pinot Nero. SUPERIORE.DE

Fantastic Etna-cresence from vines up to 60 years old from a small single vineyard with wonderfully balanced iodine and citrus aromas. Softly flowing on the palate, profound on the palate, the fine acidity, inner sweetness and delicate wood note well integrated into the overall concept designed for a long maturation period. SUPERIORE.DE

"Welcome to the slopes of the smoking volcano! Intensely smoky and stony, this is quite a radical expression of this appellation with hardcore minerality at the long, sleek and tightly wound finish." James Suckling

The area around the small town of Milo is the only vineyard on Etna where an Etna Bianco may be bottled as Superiore - and for good reason: only Carricante may be planted on the steep vineyard, which consists of dozens of small terraces. The vines are grown like a little tree on poles made of chestnut wood. The easterly exposure and the nearby sea allow the grapes to ripen late, thus achieving very constant acidity values and resulting in a white wine of an aromatic finesse and freshness that is unparalleled even on Etna.

This historic site, called Milo, with its old vines is virtually predestined for the Etna Bianco Superiore, now in its 2nd vintage. More floral and citrus-scented on the nose than the normal Carricante, the Superiore also has a little more body, acidity, depth and finesse. The elegant acidity makes it vibrantly fresh and long and ensures exciting drinking flow and a nice ageing potential. SUPERIORE.DE

"The intense nose of orange, hibiscus and smoke leads you into this well structured and very crisp Etna dry white. Plenty of substance, but the mineral drive is the most striking thing about the sleek palate. Very dry, stony and smoky finish." James Suckling

This single-vineyard Carricante comes from the small vineyard Montalto, situated on the southern slope of Etna at an altitude of approx. 950m. It is the most balanced and at the same time the most exciting of all Etna Bianco from Terre Nere in its overall impression and aroma, here the whole Etna package is present in exactly the right dose: Minerality, saltiness, fruitiness and a perfect hint of flint on the nose. On the palate, it is vibrant and fine, with an almost Burgundian elegance, finesse and length. SUPERIORE.DE

"The bouquet of orange blossoms leaps out of the glass at you and, on the medium-bodied palate, this has unusual succulence for an Etna dry white. Vibrant and properly dry, but also very harmonious at the well-structured finish." James Suckling

This Carricante from vines up to 100 years old from a small single vineyard gives no indication of its varietal and terroir origin. Fine fruity aroma, mineral and with a fresh sea breeze. Powerful, well structured, fine wood note, balanced and long on the palate. SUPERIORE.DE

"This Etna dry white is super-fresh, but also deep and complex. Fascinating tension between the smoky minerality and citrus character (everything from blossoms to dried peel). Easily enough fruit to carry the firm structure. Long finish, as clear as a mountain stream!" James Suckling

Feudo di Mezzo Il Quadro Delle Rose smells of roses and small red berries. It is a heavy, tannic wine that requires a little patience but finds its balance with time. A wine of exceptional finesse with great intellect. SUPERIORE.DE

"A powerful Etna red with plenty of black-cherry and licorice character, plus a robust tannin structure. However, it also has a very exciting, cool and bright side, which comes out ever more clearly at the long, racy finish." James Suckling

Here comes the new single-vineyard wine, similar in style to Santo Spirito but with an "autumnal" component. Light ruby red, gravel, vanilla and a subtle hint of mint on the nose, plus some cranberry and cherry. Then fresh and exciting on the palate with a sweet and sour component and a delicate bitter vein. Compact tannin, which certainly deserves a few more years of bottle ageing. The final is herbaceous, spicy and long. SUPERIORE.DE

Santo Spirito is a wonderfully complex wine. It combines firmness, power, structure and density with the aromas of dark cherries, pomegranate, blood oranges and spicy herbal notes and closes with a furiously long final. SUPERIORE.DE

"This Etna red has so much going for it, but the amerena-cherry aroma is very ripe and, on the palate, the first impression is of suppleness that we don't immediately associate with this appellation. Lovely balance right now, thanks to the full body and moderate tannins." James Suckling

Strictly limited in each vintage, the Cru San Lorenzo comes from 4 hectares of vineyards in the district of the same name in the town of Randazzo. The vines are over 70 years old and grow about 750 metres above sea level, the soil consists almost exclusively of fine volcanic sand. The terroir in the small Contrada San Lorenzo was formed by lava flows and deposits of volcanic origin, which were formed between 60,000 and 15,000 years ago. This exceptional wine is particularly rich, fruity and has very soft tannins that make it velvety and lush on the palate and provide a never-ending finish. Great! SUPERIORE.DE

"A stunning combination of fully ripe red stone fruit and berries with cool thyme and sage aromas leads you into the rich, but very well structured Etna red. Lovely balance of fruit and tannin, then a velvety finish with delicate wild-herb and mineral notes." James Suckling

Guardiola - a captivating Etna Rosso with a great aroma of spices and mineral hints. Persistent on the palate, with great fruit and subtle elegance. A terroir-typical masterpiece, be sure to aerate it first! SUPERIORE.DE

"The first impression on the nose is of a dead ringer for a top Gevrey-Chambertin, even one of the Grand-Cru communes! However, alongside the ripe red fruit and earthy character, there's a firm structure that combines warm and cool elements in the unique way that only Etna reds can achieve. Impressive depth and energy at the very finish. From organically grown grapes. Built for long aging." James Suckling

Every year one of the great single-vineyard wines of the Tenuta, representing in a highly complex way the special terroir of the high altitudes on Etna. Dark red fruits, orange peel and flowers on the nose. Then juicy fruit, wonderful depth and a finely chiselled tannin structure. A subtle spiciness on the finish and always present the outstanding structure, length and elegance! SUPERIORE.DE

"If you love big Barolos, then this Etna red is a wine for you! Packed with ripe damson-plum character, this is rich, concentrated and well-structured with concentrated tannins that build on the moderately dry, silky finish." James Suckling

This debut vintage comes from the small vineyard Montalto, situated on the southern slope of the Etna at an altitude of about 950 m, which has taken the top position in the squad of single vineyard Carricante. In its overall impression and aroma it is the most balanced and at the same time most exciting of all Etna Bianco from Terre Nere, here the whole Etna package is available in exactly the right dose: Minerality, saltiness, fruitiness and a perfect trace of flint in the nose. On the palate it is vibrant and fine, with an almost Burgundian elegance, finesse and length. SUPERIORE.DE

Fantastic Etna-cresence from vines up to 60 years old from a small single vineyard with wonderfully balanced iodine and citrus aromas. Softly flowing on the palate, profound on the palate, the fine acidity, inner sweetness and delicate wood note well integrated into the overall concept designed for a long maturation period. SUPERIORE.DE

"Welcome to the slopes of the smoking volcano! Intensely smoky and stony, this is quite a radical expression of this appellation with hardcore minerality at the long, sleek and tightly wound finish." James Suckling

This single-vineyard Carricante comes from the small vineyard Montalto, situated on the southern slope of Etna at an altitude of approx. 950m. It is the most balanced and at the same time the most exciting of all Etna Bianco from Terre Nere in its overall impression and aroma, here the whole Etna package is present in exactly the right dose: Minerality, saltiness, fruitiness and a perfect hint of flint on the nose. On the palate, it is vibrant and fine, with an almost Burgundian elegance, finesse and length. SUPERIORE.DE

"The bouquet of orange blossoms leaps out of the glass at you and, on the medium-bodied palate, this has unusual succulence for an Etna dry white. Vibrant and properly dry, but also very harmonious at the well-structured finish." James Suckling

This Carricante from vines up to 100 years old from a small single vineyard gives no indication of its varietal and terroir origin. Fine fruity aroma, mineral and with a fresh sea breeze. Powerful, well structured, fine wood note, balanced and long on the palate. SUPERIORE.DE

"This Etna dry white is super-fresh, but also deep and complex. Fascinating tension between the smoky minerality and citrus character (everything from blossoms to dried peel). Easily enough fruit to carry the firm structure. Long finish, as clear as a mountain stream!" James Suckling

This Carricante from vines up to 100 years old from a small single vineyard gives no indication of its varietal and terroir origin. Fine fruity aroma, mineral and with a fresh sea breeze. Powerful, well structured, fine wood note, balanced and long on the palate. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2019 Etna Bianco Santo Spirito presents a beguiling display of musky dried peaches and apricots, along with dusty florals and hints of rosemary. It's silky and elegant, soothing the palate with a round expression of ripe fruits, as salty minerals slowly saturate. The long, perfumed finish goes on and on, leaving a hint of raw almond and nuances of spice." Vinous

"This is the most subtle and polished white from Etna I have had, offering a dense, integrated palate of apple, pineapple and stone character with some lemon grass and lemon curd. It's dense and so focused with so much going on. Tight now, but promises a beautiful future." James Suckling

Feudo di Mezzo Il Quadro Delle Rose smells of roses and small red berries. It is a heavy, tannic wine that requires a little patience but finds its balance over time. A wine of exceptional finesse with great intellect. SUPERIORE.DE

"This is powerful from the get-go, brimming with dried herbs, cherry liqueur, plum paste, dried tamarind, Christmas cake and Indian curry. Full-bodied and iron-fisted, this steamrolls with decadent tannins through layer upon layer of compressed ripe fruit. Very long on the finish. Not for the faint of heart!" James Suckling

Here comes the new single-vineyard wine, similar in style to Santo Spirito but with an "autumnal" component. Light ruby red, gravel, vanilla and a subtle hint of mint on the nose, plus some cranberry and cherry. Then fresh and exciting on the palate with a sweet and sour component and a delicate bitter vein. Compact tannin that certainly deserves a few more years of bottle ageing. The final is herbaceous, spicy and long. SUPERIORE.DE

Santo Spirito is a wonderfully complex wine. It combines firmness, power, structure and density with the aromas of dark cherries, pomegranate, blood oranges and spicy herbal notes and closes with a furiously long final. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2018 Etna Rosso Santo Spirito is incredibly pretty. Crushed stone gives way to wild strawberries, then roses and, finally, nuances of sweet spice. It's silky in texture, motivated by juicy acidity, with ripe wild berry fruits complemented by sweet inner violet notes. Energy remains high as this tapers off with a twang of licorice and shades of lavender." Vinous

"Aromas of blackberry, truffle, purple flowers and Mediterranean scrub shape the enticing nose along with whiffs of dark spice. Polished and bright, the elegantly structured palate features ripe raspberry, black cherry and licorice alongside refined tannins. It closes on a hint of espresso." Wine Enthusiast

"A tight, linear red, showing cherry, watermelon and orange-peel aromas with hints of violets. It's medium-bodied with a solid center palate and a racy finish." James Suckling

Feudo di Mezzo Il Quadro Delle Rose smells of roses and small red berries. It is a heavy, tannic wine that requires a little patience but finds its balance with time. A wine of exceptional finesse with great intellect. SUPERIORE.DE

"A supple, medium-bodied red, with creamy tannins and a lovely range of ripe raspberry, rose hip and licorice flavors. A skein of spice and mineral winds through the tapestry of the fresh finish." Wine Spectator

"The 2018 Etna Rosso Feudo di Mezzo is dark and rich in the glass, wafting up with notes of cherry sauce, plums and Indian spice. It is deeply textural and velvety in feel, with ripe black instead of red notes, lifted by cooling mineral and minty herbs. There's an almost balsamic twang to the finish, as this leaves the palate drenched in primary fruit and grippy tannins." Vinous

"Graphite, thyme, brambly berry and violet aromas waft out of the glass along with Mediterranean scrub. Boasting youthful tension, the chiseled palate delivers succulent Marasca cherry, crushed raspberry, licorice and coffee bean set against elegant, fine-grained tannins. Bright acidity keeps it balanced while a hint of saline lingers on the close." Wine Enthusiast

"The purity of fruit and brightness is very impressive with blackberry, cherry and walnut undertones. It's full, very tight and complete with really fine, polished tannins and a beautiful, long finish. Really balanced." James Suckling

Here comes the new single-vineyard wine, similar in style to Santo Spirito but with an "autumnal" component. Light ruby red, gravel, vanilla and a subtle hint of mint on the nose, plus some cranberry and cherry. Then fresh and exciting on the palate with a sweet and sour component and a delicate bitter vein. Compact tannin, which certainly deserves a few more years of bottle ageing. The final is herbaceous, spicy and long. SUPERIORE.DE

"A captivating display of black cherry and raspberry encased in a cloud of ashen earth, incense and crushed dried roses lifts up from the remarkably pretty 2018 Etna Rosso Moganazzi. It's silky in texture, energized by vibrant acidity, as violet-tinged wild berry fruits and sweet spices cascade across the senses. This is so graceful but also packed full of unseen depths, and the palate aches with youthful tension and poise throughout the long, dramatic finale. You can't help but return to the glass over and over again. The Moganazzi hails from steeply terraced 80-year-old vines on the north side of Etna, at roughly 700 meters in elevation. It's a showstopper." Vinous

"Complex aromas of ripe berries with toffee, cedar and some floral undertones. Hot ash as well. The palate is full-bodied, but tight and linear with a chewy palate and lots of dried-peach and orange-peel undertones to the ripe fruit, but always linear and focused." James Suckling

Feudo di Mezzo Il Quadro Delle Rose smells of roses and small red berries. It is a heavy, tannic wine that requires a little patience but finds its balance with time. A wine of exceptional finesse with great intellect. SUPERIORE.DE

"A powerful Etna red with plenty of black-cherry and licorice character, plus a robust tannin structure. However, it also has a very exciting, cool and bright side, which comes out ever more clearly at the long, racy finish." James Suckling