Tenuta delle Terre Nere

Tenuta delle Terre Nere («Black Soils») is a legendary estate that revolutionized viticulture on Mount Etna. Owner Marco de Grazia was the first to recognize the potential of the local terroir and revived the fame of the vineyards through wines made from the Nerello Mascalese grape. The vineyards are located at one of the highest points in Italy and Europe. The native varieties — Nerello Mascalese and Nerello Capuccio — produce aromatic wines with elegant tannins reminiscent of Pinot Noir and Nebbiolo. The finest wines are aged in French oak barrels. The estate owns 15 hectares across four prestigious sites in the communes of Randazzo and Castiglione di Sicilia: Calderara Sottana, Santo Spirito, Guardiola, and Feudo di Mezzo. In addition to the basic Etna Rosso, mono-varietal wines are produced that reflect the character of each terroir. The Calderara Sottana site is home to unique 150-year-old vines. From their modest harvest (3–3.5 tons per hectare), the exceptional Prephilloxera La Vigna di Don Peppino wine is created, comparable to the great wines of Burgundy. Etna’s volcanic soils, formed over 500,000 years, consist of ash, black pumice, and volcanic rocks. The high-altitude location and winds protect the grapes from diseases. Temperature contrasts impart elegance and freshness to the wines. Traditional techniques include organic farming, 10–15 days of fermentation, malolactic fermentation, and 18 months of aging in oak. The first vintage was released in 2002, but the real start came in 2004. Since 2010, the estate has held an organic winemaking certification. Etna wines, especially those from Tenuta delle Terre Nere, have gained recognition in prestigious markets, including the UK, where they are considered Italy’s most promising wines.