Tenuta delle Terre Nere

The estate is located on the northern slopes of the volcano Mount Etna. The reds are from Nerello Mascalese and Nerello Capuccio and the whites are predominately Carricante. These are thrilling wines from an incredible place and each of the crus are distinctive. Calderara Sottana at 600-700 metres is the rockiest with black volcanic pumice. Guardiola at 800 to 900 metres has volcanic sand with basaltic pebbles and traces of ash. Both are steep and tightly terraced. The pre-phylloxera is born of a tiny parcel of Calderara Sottana with vines of 130-140 years old. Marco de Grazia considers Calderara Sottana a grand cru vineyard in the context of Etna.