16

Sicily

Etna

Etna is at once both a fossil and a piece of modern art! Vines aged from 70-120 years old grow on the slopes of a volcano at altitudes that make noses bleed. Less than 20 years ago these wines were unknown, the Grandfathers of today’s revolutionists made simple wine from overcropped vineyards.

Today the next generations are pushing the boundaries making wines from the red grapes Nerello Mascalese, and, Nerello Cappuccio, with Grenache and Sangiovese popping up here and there.  When made from a blend of the two Nerello’s they are often referred to as a hybrid of the great Nebbiolo’s from Barolo and Pinot Noir’s from Burgundy. The Nerello’s are capable of making wines with real personality! They’ve taken something incredibly ancient, gone back to the DNA and started again. In under a decade the evolution of these wines have accelerated through a millennia.

On the white side Carricante rules the mountain. It’s nickname, the Chablis of Italy is well justified. The wines can have incredible purity and fine acid.

Vines have been nurtured back to balance, tended by hand on terraced vineyards that one in every 3 years find themselves under ash clouds hurled into the sky from the very mountain they are planted on, a volcano, Mt Etna!

In the winery, they have played the mad scientist experimenting with an incredible array of variables to find the best way to express the personality of these extreme sites. A couple of generations ago wines were given just 1 day on skins, described by some as being like grape juice. Today they sort fruit by hand and seek to find the best way to guide wines and reveal the true expression of their vineyards. Whilst they have applied modern technologies, they have done so with restraint.

People ask “How long will they age?” “What will they look like in 20 years?” The answer is just an educated guess, no-one knows yet! That excites me, they’ve made such great strides, in such a short time. It’s like watching a start-up with the wisdom of elders to support it, jumping the hurdles and avoiding the mistakes of inexperience, yet still, they have so much to learn!

Much of the vineyard, randomly planted on terraces, is goblet trained, just a trunk low to the ground with shoots trained up a single stake.

Letizia Patane of Passopisciaro considers Etna to be an island within Sicily. A unique terroir that has three times the rainfall and sites at altitudes from 500-1,000m in elevation.

When I think of Sicily and Etna I think heat. Then I remember the elevation of Mount Etna and how much cooler the climate is. The temperature is usually 1°C lower for every 100m increase in elevation above sea level. Take a vineyard at 1,000m and that’s a whopping 10°C!

Pick a cool site on Etna, add elevation, and, the end result is some of the last vineyards to be picked in Italy.

For more, head to the Wine Bites Mag and read our Etna Primer ‘Getting Your Head Around Sicily’s Mount Etna’


Terre Nere's Ripping Etna Reds & Whites


The 2o22 Etna Rosso Release

Terre Nere Etna Rosso 2022
Wonderful Perfume!

Terre Nere Etna Rosso 2022

Red Blend | Sicily, Etna

A Ripper from Marco! A great introduction to the wines of Mount Etna. Terre Nere's Etna Rosso blends Nerello Mascalese with just a splash of Nerello Cappuccio & is always fun! Passopisciaro lured me to Mount Etna, Terre Nere doubled down & Girolamo Russo confirmed they were no fluke! From the Rosso & Bianco through to the Contrade wines they are filled with personality. Terre Nere's Etna Rosso is beautifully poised.  The energy here pulsates through the wine. The perfume of vi
$67
$64ea in any 3+
$61ea in any 6+

Terre Nere ‘Le Vigne Niche’ Etna Biancos

A wee hit of sulphur blows off quickly in the glass. Holds this in good stead for a long life. Crystal clear. A layer of lanolin funk and spice floats above vibrant fruits that build on the palate fanning out offering great persistence. A little cleansing phenolics and fine acid balance a creamy mouthfeel. The fruit is nicely developed making for delicious drinking now with more to come. Spicy and full of tension, the 2022 Etna Bianco Le Vigne Niche Montalto bursts from the glass wit
$105
$100ea in any 3+
$95ea in any 6+
A faint lick of larger format oak adds complexity without being intrusive and resolves quickly as the wine opens. Delicious! The perceived acidity is certainly higher than that of Montalto, sophisticated and delicate. Super-fine and flowing, a myriad of fresher flavours, I like Eric’s calls on candied lime, green apples and chamomile. Fabulous drinking fine and long with plenty more to come. The 2022 Etna Bianco Le Vigne Niche Santo Spirito lifts from the glass with a savory blen
$105
$100ea in any 3+
$95ea in any 6+
The only white ‘Grand Cru’ that Marco makes. Unlike Terre Nere's Etna Bianco DOC, which is made up of a blend of 5 white grapes, the “Vigne Niche” selection is only Carricante. Complete. Seamless, fine, delicious, flowing, complex. beautifully developed fruit with such finely textured, refreshing acidity. A great way to finish a divine set of white contrade from Marco. With a bouquet like chiseling through sheer limestone with all of the smoky and flinty nuances that come wit
$121
$116ea in any 3+
$111ea in any 6+

The Beginning!

The Pink Link 🌹

Terre Nere Etna Rosato 2022

Red Blend | Sicily, Etna

100% Nerello Mascalese Rosé is just so much fun! Ultra pale onion-peel pink. Herbs, almond paste, fresh flowers and cherry skin on the fresh nose. Then bright and juicy in the mouth too, with a subtle gingery bite to the red fruit and herb flavors. Closes long and saline. 100% Nerello Mascalese Rosé is just so much fun!
$64
$61ea in any 3+
$58ea in any 6+
A steal for the price

Terre Nere Etna Bianco 2022

White Blend | Sicily, Etna

A lovely Etna Bianco that mercifully doesn’t taste of Chardonnay or other varieties that have no place on Etna. A steal for the price. Harmonious, lively aromas and flavours of white stone fruit and aromatic herbs. Bright and juicy, with a refreshing saline bite on the long smooth finish. Remarkably fresh and easy to drink. This is a steal for the price.
$64
$61ea in any 3+
$58ea in any 6+

The Contrade!

One of Terre Nere's 3 Grand Cru's, the Pre-phylloxera vineyard sits within this one! It's a bold, delicious interpretation of Nerello. One of Terre Nere's 3 Grand Cru's, the Pre-phylloxera vineyard sits within this one! It's a bolder, delicious interpretation of Nerello Mascalese. When these landed I had to rip the lid off a 2021 Calderara Sottana & hook in! It's been a while since I've had a Contrade from Terre Nere. Straight out of the gate this is divine, a complete wine. Yet th
$159
$152ea in any 3+
$145ea in any 6+
LIMIT 1 EACH
To taste wine from 140 year old vines that has not been influenced by growing on a rootstock is becoming a rare thing at a global level. Named after the farmer who was so compelled by the grapes it produced that he cultivated this vineyard with much care for over 70 years before it came into Marco’s possession. This vineyard is contained within the Contrada Calderara Sottana and sits on ancient volcanic ‘ellittico’ soils around 70,000 years of age. The vineyard contains vines that avoid
$378
$358ea in any 3+
$338ea in any 6+

Contrade Wines

2019s

The latest Contrada from Terre Nere! No reviews available. I had a chance to suck on a 2017, a tasty beverage, clear the vineyard has strong potential.
$114
$109ea in any 3+
$104ea in any 6+

2018s

The latest Contrada from Terre Nere! Complex aromas of ripe berries with toffee, cedar and some floral undertones. Hot ash as well. The palate is full-bodied, but tight and linear with a chewy palate and lots of dried-peach and orange-peel undertones to the ripe fruit, but always linear and focused. Try after 2022. Suckling
$114
$109ea in any 3+
$104ea in any 6+
The Feudo di Mezzo from Terre Nere has more immediate generosity. Showing more of itself earlier than higher vineyards of Santo Spirito and Guardiola The purity of fruit and brightness is very impressive with blackberry, cherry and walnut undertones. It’s full, very tight and complete with really fine, polished tannins and a beautiful, long finish. Really balanced. Drink or hold. Suckling Feudo di Mezzo is a larger Contrada, sub-plots within it are important to recognise. One day I'll ge
$114
$109ea in any 3+
$104ea in any 6+
Right next to Guardiola
Sophistication, perfectly ripe yet not over ripe fruit. Very much in the mould of the Guardiola and Rampante Contrada! A tight, linear red, showing cherry, watermelon and orange-peel aromas with hints of violets. It’s medium-bodied with a solid center palate and a racy finish. Drink or hold. Suckling
$114
$109ea in any 3+
$104ea in any 6+

Passopisciaro Contrade Release


The lowest of Passopisciaro's contrada. Chiappemacine is typically fuller and richer by comparison Made from Nerello Mascelese, some call it the Barolo of the South, others a cross between Pinot & Nebbiolo. I prefer to say it is itself & delicious. The vineyards of Etna have undergone a major renaissance in the last couple of decades. Passipisciaro has been one of the wineries at the forefront. I was blown away the first time I tasted this wine. The Chippemacine and Sciaranuovo tend t
$188
$178ea in any 3+
$168ea in any 6+
Lower elevation builds more generosity into Porcaria. Such wonderful texture! Made from Nerello Mascelese, some call it the Barolo of the South, others a cross between Pinot & Nebbiolo. I prefer to say it is itself & delicious. The vineyards of Etna have undergone a major renaissance in the last couple of decades. Passipisciaro has been one of the wineries at the forefront. I was blown away the first time I tasted this wine. NOTE: The two reviews below were made almost 12 months apart
$188
$178ea in any 3+
$168ea in any 6+
Meaning New Lava Flow it's young soils have not broken down to release as much nutrient as the olds flows. Treating the vines mean and keeping them lean! Made from Nerello Mascelese, some call it the Barolo of the South, others a cross between Pinot & Nebbiolo. I prefer to say it is itself & delicious. The vineyards of Etna have undergone a major renaissance in the last couple of decades. Passipisciaro has been one of the wineries at the forefront. I was blown away the first time I taste
$188
$178ea in any 3+
$168ea in any 6+
The Highest Elevation Contrada owned by Passopisciaro making delicious Ethereal wines! Made from Nerello Mascelese, some call it the Barolo of the South, others a cross between Pinot & Nebbiolo. I prefer to say it is itself & delicious. The vineyards of Etna have undergone a major renaissance in the last couple of decades. Passipisciaro has been one of the wineries at the forefront. I was blown away the first time I tasted this wine. A little rule of thumb 👍🏻for you, wines of hi
$188
$178ea in any 3+
$168ea in any 6+
Guardiola higher elevation puts it on the more elegant side of the scales! Made from Nerello Mascelese, some call it the Barolo of the South, others a cross between Pinot & Nebbiolo. I prefer to say it is itself & delicious. The vineyards of Etna have undergone a major renaissance in the last couple of decades. Passipisciaro has been one of the wineries at the forefront. I was blown away the first time I tasted this wine. NOTE: The two reviews below were made almost 12 months apart. T
$188
$178ea in any 3+
$168ea in any 6+
Lower elevation builds more generosity into Porcaria. Such wonderful texture! Made from Nerello Mascelese, some call it the Barolo of the South, others a cross between Pinot & Nebbiolo. I prefer to say it is itself & delicious. The vineyards of Etna have undergone a major renaissance in the last couple of decades. Passipisciaro has been one of the wineries at the forefront. I was blown away the first time I tasted this wine. “Aromas of Mediterranean scrub, eucalyptus, smoky flint an
$170
$163ea in any 3+
$156ea in any 6+
The lowest of Passopisciaro's contrada. Chiappemacine is typically fuller and richer by comparison Made from Nerello Mascelese, some call it the Barolo of the South, others a cross between Pinot & Nebbiolo. I prefer to say it is itself & delicious. The vineyards of Etna have undergone a major renaissance in the last couple of decades. Passipisciaro has been one of the wineries at the forefront. I was blown away the first time I tasted this wine. The Chippemacine and Sciaranuovo tend t
$170
$163ea in any 3+
$156ea in any 6+

Tenuta di Fessina's 2020s


One of those wines that reminds you why Carricante from Etna is often likened to high level Chablis! A wine of such rhythm, poise, and structure - one with salty minerality combined with concentrated succulent, juicy fruit, grapefruit on pear. Excellent phenolic texture with that ever so Italian silvery line of cleansing bitterness. This is consistently one of the most regarded of all of Etna’s white wines with countless 'Tre Bicchiere' awards. With such acid drive, it’s just begin
$116
$111ea in any 3+
$106ea in any 6+


Graci's Lava Juice!


Grace & Power

Graci ‘Arcurìa’ Nerello Mascelese 2019

Nerello Mascalese | Etna, Sicily

There's an incredible diversity of styles across Etna, Arcurìa, is divine, delicate, perfumed, resting firmly in the feminine camp! The Arcurìa is beautifully fine and long, with a sense of grace and delicious perfume that entrances. Essential to give it a decanter and plenty of time for it to show you its full potential. Boy, when it does you go to a happy place. Graci, are, killing it! These are refined wines, beautifully balanced, elegant, with amazing textures, and, entrancing perfumes.
$102
$97ea in any 3+
$92ea in any 6+

Buscemi's Summer Juice!


Lava Juice!

Buscemi ‘Il Rosso’ 2019

Red Blend | Etna, Italy

Buscemi's 'Il Rossoi' is much more than just the perfect light to medium bodied summer red! What a delight! As expected from a vineyard at 980m above see level this looks very much like a cool climate rendition of Grenache. The Nerellos adding to the texture and complexity. Fine boned with a line of dusty tannins, the crunchy cherry bomb fruit balances juicy acid nicely. Full of energy & freshness, a superb light to medium bodied summer red. Mirella conducts the hand harvest in late Octob
$50
$47ea in any 3+
$44ea in any 6+
Lava Juice!

Buscemi ‘Il Rosso’ 2018

Red Blend | Etna, Italy

Buscemi's 'Il Rossoi' is much more than just the perfect light to medium bodied summer red! What a delight! As expected from a vineyard at 980m above see level this looks very much like a cool climate rendition of Grenache. The Nerellos adding to the texture and complexity. Fine boned with a line of dusty tannins, the crunchy cherry bomb fruit balances juicy acid nicely. Full of energy & freshness, a superb light to medium bodied summer red. Mirella conducts the hand harvest in late Octob
$51
$48ea in any 3+
$45ea in any 6+
Lava Juice!

Buscemi Contrada Tartaraci Rosso 2019

Red Blend | Sicily, Etna

Buscemi's 'Tartaraci' is blended with a splash of Grenache Buscemi's single vineyard red from the Contrada of Tartaraci lies at an elevation of 980m above sea level expect elegances and perfume! It has a good slug of Grenache in it running at upto 30%. The Contrada Tartaraci Rosso IGP, not produced in 2018, the 2019 is a return to a Nerello dominant wine, with the earlier drinking il Rosso 2019, retaining a higher ratio of Granaccia (Grenache) in the blend. This wine always shows great touch.

We scored a lost 6-Pack of ‘Tartaraci’!

Lava Juice!

Buscemi Contrada Tartaraci Rosso 2019

Red Blend | Sicily, Etna

Buscemi's 'Tartaraci' is blended with a splash of Grenache Buscemi's single vineyard red from the Contrada of Tartaraci lies at an elevation of 980m above sea level expect elegances and perfume! It has a good slug of Grenache in it running at upto 30%. The Contrada Tartaraci Rosso IGP, not produced in 2018, the 2019 is a return to a Nerello dominant wine, with the earlier drinking il Rosso 2019, retaining a higher ratio of Granaccia (Grenache) in the blend. This wine always shows great touch.

Filters & Sorting

Showing 35 Delicious Wines!

Meaning New Lava Flow it's young soils have not broken down to release as much nutrient as the olds flows. Treating the vines mean and keeping them lean! Made from Nerello Mascelese, some call it the Barolo of the South, others a cross between Pinot & Nebbiolo. I prefer to say it is itself & delicious. The vineyards of Etna have undergone a major renaissance in the last couple of decades. Passipisciaro has been one of the wineries at the forefront. I was blown away the first time I taste
$188
$178ea in any 3+
$168ea in any 6+
Guardiola higher elevation puts it on the more elegant side of the scales! Made from Nerello Mascelese, some call it the Barolo of the South, others a cross between Pinot & Nebbiolo. I prefer to say it is itself & delicious. The vineyards of Etna have undergone a major renaissance in the last couple of decades. Passipisciaro has been one of the wineries at the forefront. I was blown away the first time I tasted this wine. NOTE: The two reviews below were made almost 12 months apart. T
$188
$178ea in any 3+
$168ea in any 6+
LIMIT 1 EACH
To taste wine from 140 year old vines that has not been influenced by growing on a rootstock is becoming a rare thing at a global level. Named after the farmer who was so compelled by the grapes it produced that he cultivated this vineyard with much care for over 70 years before it came into Marco’s possession. This vineyard is contained within the Contrada Calderara Sottana and sits on ancient volcanic ‘ellittico’ soils around 70,000 years of age. The vineyard contains vines that avoid
$378
$358ea in any 3+
$338ea in any 6+