“San Lorenzo” Rosso Etna DOC 2024

Tenuta delle Terre Nere | Sicily
Az. Agr. Tenuta delle Terre Nere | Contrada Calderara | IT 95036 Randazzo

19173324 · 0,75 l · 74,67 €/l · Price (DE) incl. VAT, excl. Shippingavailable immediately
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On the far north-western edge of the Etna DOC, where the cold reigns and time seems to stand still, lies San Lorenzo – one of the volcano's three holy grails. Here, at an altitude of 750 metres in the municipality of Randazzo, we encounter a geological wonder: a pure elliptical terroir, formed 60,000 years ago by the explosive activity of the Ellittico crater. Marc de Grazia recognised something extraordinary in San Lorenzo – a place of aristocratic purity. Of the hundreds of contrade on Mount Etna, only three possess this unadulterated elliptical heritage: Bocca d'Orzo, Calderara and San Lorenzo. Millennia of lava flows have buried all the older soils, leaving only tiny, precious fragments of these ancient volcanic sands.

San Lorenzo has the coldest microclimate in the entire appellation – a combination of extreme altitude and north-westerly exposure that produces wines of exceptional intensity. The seventy-year-old Nerello Mascalese vines are rooted in almost pure volcanic ash, mixed with black pumice. It is here that those "wines of noble origin" are produced, combining power and generosity in a majestic balance.

San Lorenzo unfolds a complex bouquet of cherry blossom and rose petals, interlaced with notes of dark cherries and blood orange peel. On the palate, the full finesse of this Grand Cru is revealed: elegantly structured, with silky tannins and that mesmerising citrus note that lingers for minutes on end. Sixteen to eighteen months in barriques and large wooden casks lend this exceptional terroir the perfection that makes San Lorenzo one of Italy's most significant single-vineyard wines – a quiet aristocrat of irresistible elegance. SUPERIORE.DE

"A subtle, earthy and spicy bouquet unfolds with aromas of freshly ploughed soil, cinnamon, pepper and black cherry. On the palate, fresh Mission figs emerge, drizzled with pomegranate syrup and a splash of bitter citrus, whilst the spices and earthy notes linger as undertones, lending the wine a certain cohesion. Smooth tannins balance out the pronounced acidity." Wine Enthusiast

"Aromas of dried strawberries, hot stones and a hint of smoke come through clearly. Full-bodied with juicy, velvety tannins and a spicy finish. Shows plenty of structure and bite, yet is already fruity and delicious." James Suckling

"The 2024 Etna Rosso San Lorenzo is darkly floral, with notes of ash, crushed rocks, tangerine zest and sage. It's impressively fresh despite its silky weight and incredible depth of red berry fruit. A liquid violet concentration slowly saturates toward the close. The 2024 reveals a collage of autumnal spices under an air of lavender pastille as hints of subtle citrus neatly balance its firming tannins. This is absolutely stunning." Vinous

"The Tenuta delle Terre Nere 2024 Etna Rosso San Lorenzo is part of the 'Grande Terroir Ellittico' series. San Lorenzo, at approximately 750 meters in elevation, is harvested before the higher Guardiola vineyard. Although the two sites share Ellittico origins, they behave very differently: Guardiola reaches 850 to 900 meters and has poorer soils, while San Lorenzo's deeper, more generous soils produce greater ripeness and opulence. The 2024 San Lorenzo is softer, fuller and more voluptuous, with a level of richness not found in the Guardiola from the same vintage. Guardiola remains more defined by texture and restraint, whereas San Lorenzo embraces ripe fruit and generosity." Wine Advocate