From vineyards high up on the northern slopes of Mount Etna, Terre Nere Etna Rosso has fast become one of our favourite wines. Indigenous Nerello Mascalese shows a crystalline, Burgundian feel, combining lush red-berry fruits and chalky tannins. This is an ‘everyday’ wine with lots of interest.
I caught up with proprietor Marc de Grazia at Vinitaly earlier this year. He regards 2012 as his greatest vintage since 2008 and possibly his finest yet, raving about the wines’ classic structure and wonderful depth. The single vineyards, including Guardiola and Calderara Sottana, are made from older vines and higher vineyards and are matured in barrique. Considered his finest ‘crus’, these are tightly wound, tannic wines that require ageing to reach their drinking window.
The Wine Advocate calls Terre Nere the ‘reference point producer on Etna’, with ratings up to 97/100. The 2012s have yet to be rated.
The jewel in the Terre Nere crown is their 140-year-old vineyard which has been farmed by a local, ‘Don Peppino’, for the last 60 years. Judged to be the number 1 wine of 2014 in the International Wine Report , the 3000-bottle 2012 is an enthralling, grand wine that could age for many decades.
All of the Terre Neres offer phenomenal value, as well as immense character and great ageability.
View all of the Terre Nere wines and tasting notes on our website .
Free delivery on orders over R1,500 (main centres only). Place your order online or email [email protected] . If you need any assistance, please call us on 021 448 4105 (CT) or 011 027 9463 (JHB). View delivery charges .
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