Terre Nere ‘Santo Spirito’ Etna Rosso D.O.C. 2015

Why is this Wine so Yummy?

The Santo Spirito Vineyard

The two vineyards in Santo Spirito are the last ones we bought, the second property acquired in two steps. Santo Spirito is adjacent to Guardiola’s northern boundary and lower in altitude as its slopes descend towards the Alcantara valley. And though adjacent, it couldn’t be more different. An outstandingly beautiful location, gentle wide terraces flowing sweetly in striking contrast to steep, graggy Guardiola. Again, Santo Spirito’s soil is deep rich volcanic ash, its grass a lush emerald green, its vigorous vines displaying a well fed abundance. Santo Spirito’s wines are luscious and sensual, always seductive in their almost fleshy bouquet, and in their buttermilk richness. And yet there’s still a balance and a purity there, very sophisticated, yes, but tender as well. Generous and vulnerable at once. Duke Ellington’s Sophisticated Lady. Creamy soups, Poultry, Pork, red meats. The best? Lovely evening food in lovely evening dress.

Name: Santo Spirito Etna Rosso D.O.C.
Area of production: Township of Castiglione di Sicilia.
Varietals: Nerello Mascalese and Nerello Cappuccio.
Vineyard extension: 10 hectares.
Production per hectare: 6 tons per hectare.
Soil: Deep black, rich volcanic ash.
Exposure: Northern.
Age of vines: 40-100 years old.
Annual production: 8.000 bottles.

Making Nerello Mascelese in Etna

Apparently lightening never strikes twice. In Etna, with Passopiscaro and Terre Nere it has done so in emphatic style.

Typically wines made from the Nerello’s exude an entrancing perfume with a delicacy, elegance, and, sophistication that carries through to the palate. With vineyards from 400-1000m in elevation the lower lying vineyards tend to yield bolder styles, while the higher sites offer greater restraint. Texturally the tannins often remind of a more supple Barolo.

Wines of Nerello Mascelese and Nerello Cappuccio have been called the Barolo of the South by some, Italy’s Burgundy by others. I prefer to call them, simply, great wines from Etna.

Whilst Nerello Mascelese’s enormous bunches, with their big berries, result in wines of a pale appearance, there is nothing insignificant about their aromas, flavours, and, textures.

Terre Nere’s wines have a balance and purity that goes head to head with and in some cases exceeds Passopisciaro. Put it this way, I was sold on the nose alone of the single vineyards.

All of the elements of success were there from the beginning, exceptional sites from 600m-1000m above sea level on the slopes of Mount Etna, vines of 50-140 years of age, a very clever conductor, ‘Barolo Boy’, Marco de Grazia, the desire to achieve excellence, and, the cash to make it happen.

While you might think vineyard in Sicily would be hot, their elevation combined with planting on cooler North facing slopes can make it challenging to ripen fruit on the highest sites in a cool year.

About Terre Nere

Although de Grazia was one of the architects of the modern style of Barolo, the Terre Nere wines show no signs of those modern, often over-oaked wines, lacking harmony. Poise and restraint being the norm. The larger format oak in the winery, both botte and puncheons are clear sign that sophistication is the intent.

Perfectly articulated by Marco de Grazia himself:

“Tenuta delle Terre Nere is the fruit of over 30 years of passion and work in the world of fine wine.

And an extraordinary location, as well – this “island within an island” that is the Etna – that my brother and I chose. And that, I sometimes believe, actually chose us. A place where nature is prodigal but also severe. And here I try with all my heart to express as purely as possible the refined and multifaceted microcosm of this ancient volcanic land. With respect, care and hard farm work, always in organic balance.

The estate’s philosophy is simple. Given an extreme climate, in order to obtain the best and most consistent ripening, our attention must focus on vineyard management. The finest workmanship in all aspects of viticulture is the first thing that sets us apart. And what enables us, bringing home exceptionally fine grapes, not to be invasive in our cellar work. A work best described as aimed above all at expressing the character of our varieties in their specific terroir.

A great team, a delicate hand and a heightened sensibility, as well. And our ideals, that drive us to give the best of ourselves in quest, not of perfection, but of the ideal bond between what nature gives us and that which our sensitivity, experience and imagination suggests.

All this sets us apart.”

An Exploration of the Vineyards