Tenuta delle Terre Nere

Tenuta delle Terre Nere is a result of over forty years of passion and work. It is located in an extraordinary place, on the northern slopes of the Volcano Mount Etna. Where nature is prodigal but severe, the winery tries to express as purely as possible the refined and multifaceted microcosm of this ancient volcanic land. Certified organic, attention lies with vineyard management as each vintage’s weather brings very different challenges. 

The estate is located on the northern slopes of Etna, within the hilly belt that extends between Solicchiata and Randazzo, historically the area recognized as the finest in the appellation for red wines. The estate has approximately 45 hectares divided into 29 plots, in nine Contradas (crus). The soil differs from cru to cru, and even within the crus themselves. The same is true for the altitudes, the vineyards ranging between 600 and 1000 metres above sea level. With the exception of about 7 recently planted vineyards, vineyards are between 50 and 100 years old. Less than one hectare has reached the venerable age of over 140 years, surviving the phylloxera, and is therefore ungrafted. 

The red wines are made from Nerello Mascalese and Nerello Capuccio, the whites are predominantly from Carricante. The Calderara Sottana at 600-700 metres is the rockiest with black volcanic pumice. Guardiola lies at 800-900 metres and grows in volcanic sand with basaltic pebbles and traces of ash. Both are steep and tightly terraced. The pre-phylloxera is a tiny parcel of Calderara Sottana with vines of 140 years old, Marco de Grazia considers Calderara Sottana a grand cru vineyard in the context of Etna.