Discovering the magic of Mount Etna

Italy’s best region for both reds and whites, and why Tenuta delle Terre Nere leads the way

Italy is famous for its diverse wine regions, each offering something special to the wine world. Yet, one region is quickly rising as a star among sommeliers and wine lovers: Mount Etna. This dramatic Sicilian landscape, shaped by Europe’s tallest active volcano, produces some of the country’s most exciting red and white wines. At the forefront of this revolution is Tenuta delle Terre Nere, a winery whose wines have become synonymous with Etna’s volcanic terroir. 

A Unique Terroir Unlike Any Other

Mount Etna’s volcanic terroir is rich in mineral elements that make it unique among Italian wine regions. The combination of volcanic soil, high altitude, and cool microclimates infuses the grapes with intense character, giving the wines a distinctive minerality that’s hard to replicate anywhere else. The volcanic soils are rich in minerals like iron, magnesium, and potassium, adding complexity to the flavor profiles of the wines. This unique minerality enhances both red and white wines, giving them vibrant acidity and a striking sense of place. Furthermore, the vineyards on Mount Etna sit at some of the highest elevations in Europe, allowing for cool nights and sunny days that give the grapes longer growing seasons and preserve acidity. This natural balance creates wines that are both expressive and well-structured.

Indigenous Grapes That Shine on Etna’s Slopes

Mount Etna is home to grape varieties that thrive specifically in this environment, producing wines that are both distinct and full of character. These native grapes, cultivated on volcanic soil, give Etna wines a flavor profile that is unlike wines from any other Italian region. The reds are lighter in body but deeply complex, while the whites are zesty yet capable of aging, appealing to a wide range of wine lovers. Both reds and whites are food-friendly, versatile, and able to showcase depth and minerality.

The region’s red wines primarily feature Nerello Mascalese and Nerello Cappuccio, two indigenous grapes with a profile similar to Pinot Noir but with a Sicilian twist. These grapes bring elegance, bright acidity, and earthy notes, producing red wines that can be both approachable and complex. The Nerello Mascalese wines are refined yet complex, with notes of cherry, wild strawberry and are also known for their ability to age, developing tertiary flavors of tobacco, forest floor, and dried herbs over time.

For whites, Carricante reigns supreme. These whites are some of the most distinctive in Italy. With high acidity and a saline minerality, these wines offer flavors of citrus, green apple, and a hint of herbs. They’re refreshing when young but gain honeyed, nutty complexity with age.

Tenuta delle Terre Nere: Leading the Charge for Quality and Expression

Among the wineries in Mount Etna, Tenuta delle Terre Nere has earned an iconic status, credited with putting Etna wines on the global map. Founded by Marco de Grazia, the winery emphasizes traditional winemaking, sustainable farming, and a commitment to showcasing Etna’s terroir through single-vineyard expressions. 

Tenuta delle Terre Nere was among the first to explore and produce single-vineyard wines, showcasing how wines from different contrade (districts) on Mount Etna reveal distinctive nuances. From the rocky, mineral-driven wines of Santo Spirito to the intense and structured wines of Calderara Sottana, each bottling offers a unique expression of Etna’s land.

The winery focuses on Nerello Mascalese and Carricante, allowing these native varietals to express their fullest potential. Through careful viticulture and minimal intervention winemaking, they produce wines that are true to the character of the grapes and the terroir. With a commitment to organic farming, Tenuta delle Terre Nere uses sustainable practices that respect the land and enhance the quality of the grapes. This focus not only ensures the health of the vines but also contributes to wines that are pure, balanced, and vibrant.

If you want to explore Tenuta delle Terre Nere’s range, here are a few standout options:

• Etna Rosso: This entry-level red is a blend of Nerello Mascalese and Nerello Cappuccio, offering a balanced, fruit-forward wine with notes of red berries, spices, and a smoky finish.
• Calderara Sottana Etna Rosso: This single-vineyard wine is one of the winery’s most iconic reds, showcasing the structure and age-worthiness of Nerello Mascalese with flavors of cherry, earth, and a long, mineral finish.
• Etna Bianco: Made from Carricante, this white is refreshing and crisp, with flavors of green apple, lemon zest, and a touch of salinity that makes it perfect for seafood or light appetizers.
• Santo Spirito Etna Rosso: Another single-vineyard red, this wine is slightly more approachable with floral and fruit-forward notes, balanced by the classic volcanic minerality of Etna.

For wine enthusiasts seeking something unique and terroir-driven, both Mount Etna and Tenuta delle Terre Nere offer an experience like no other. Their wines are more than just bottles; they are an invitation to explore one of Italy’s most thrilling wine regions, sip by sip.