From: Sicily, Italy
Varietals: 95% Nerello mascalese and 5% Nerello cappuccio
Taste: A stunning example of a wine that expresses the unique terroir of Mount Etna. On the nose, it boasts an array of complex aromas, including freshly ground coffee, earthy notes, and bright red berries. As the wine opens up, hints of pomegranate and a base of sea-salt minerality become more apparent. On the palate, the wine is medium to full-bodied, with firm and well-structured tannins that are perfectly balanced by a refreshing acidity. The wine's rich, red fruit flavors are complemented by subtle hints of floral notes and citrus zest, creating a wine that is both complex and harmonious. The 16-month aging process in large French oak casks has given this wine a lovely depth and complexity, while an additional month in stainless steel has helped to preserve the wine's fresh, vibrant character.
Critical Acclaim. 94 Points James Suckling: “The purity of fruit is so impressive here with black cherry and dried strawberry to the ash and black-tea undertones. It’s medium to full body with firm, tight tannins and a crisp finish. Floral and some citrus-zest highlights to this. From organically grown grapes.”
Pairing: This gorgeous red is also an extremely versatile one that pairs well with a variety of dishes. Here are some suggested pairings:
General Pairings:
Grilled lamb chops with rosemary and garlic
Beef tenderloin with a red wine reduction
Roasted duck breast with cherry sauce
Mushroom risotto with Parmesan cheese
The wine's bright acidity and firm tannins make it an excellent pairing with rich, hearty dishes like grilled lamb or beef tenderloin. The wine's flavors of dark cherry and black tea also complement the earthy flavors of mushroom dishes and roasted vegetables.
Regional Pairings:
Pasta alla Norma, a Sicilian dish made with eggplant, tomato sauce, and ricotta salata cheese
Arancini, a Sicilian street food made with fried rice balls stuffed with cheese and meat sauce
Salsiccia e friarielli, a Neapolitan dish of sautéed broccoli rabe and sausage
In terms of regional pairings, the wine's Sicilian origin suggests pairing it with traditional Sicilian dishes like pasta alla Norma or arancini. The wine's sea-salt minerality and bright acidity also make it a good match for the salty and savory flavors of Salsiccia e friarielli.
Vegetarian Pairings:
Eggplant Parmesan
Portobello mushroom burger with roasted red peppers and goat cheese
Roasted vegetable tart with goat cheese and thyme
For vegetarian dishes, the wine's fruit flavors and firm tannins make it an excellent match for dishes with earthy flavors like eggplant Parmesan or roasted vegetable tarts. The wine's acidity also makes it a good match for dishes with tangy or acidic ingredients like roasted red peppers or goat cheese.
About. Tenuta delle Terre Nere is a much beloved and world-class winery located in the volcanic region of Mount Etna in Sicily. The estate has gained global recognition for producing some of the world's finest red wines using Nerello Mascalese and Nerello Cappuccio grape varietals. Their 2020 Etna Rosso is a prime example of their exceptional craftsmanship, representing the essence of their philosophy and hard work.
The estate's proprietor, Marc de Grazia, was instrumental in elevating Mount Etna red wines to world-class status two decades ago. The winery takes full advantage of the volcanic soil and high-altitude microclimate of the mountain to produce wines that exude minerality, freshness, and aromatic complexity. Their Etna Rosso is a blend of 95% Nerello Mascalese and 5% Nerello Cappuccio and undergoes a 16-month aging process in large French oak casks, followed by an additional month in stainless steel.
The wine is certified organic, reflecting the estate's commitment to sustainable and responsible viticulture practices.
Tenuta delle Terre Nere's philosophy is centered around their respect for nature and their commitment to expressing the refined and multifaceted microcosm of the ancient volcanic land. They believe that the finest workmanship in all aspects of viticulture is the first thing that sets them apart. They focus their attention on vineyard management to obtain the best and most consistent ripening, enabling them to bring home exceptionally fine grapes and not be invasive in their cellar work. Their goal is to express the character of their varieties in their specific terroir, allowing the wine's natural flavors and aromas to shine through.
Their ideals drive them to give the best of themselves in their quest to create the ideal bond between what nature gives them and what their sensitivity, experience, and imagination suggest. The winery's great team, delicate hand, and heightened sensibility set them apart from other producers, making them a benchmark in the wine industry.
