2024 Tenuta delle Terre Nere Etna Rosso

Tenuta delle Terre Nere is widely considered the benchmark producer for Etna Rosso, and the 2024 Etna Rosso is the estate's entry-level introduction to Sicily's volcanic terroir. The wine is made from roughly 98% Nerello Mascalese and 2% Nerello Cappuccio sourced from the estate's youngest vines across Mount Etna's north-facing slope, aged around 14 months in French oak casks that round out the structure without overwhelming the wine's natural transparency. Founded in 2002 by Marc de Grazia, Terre Nere was instrumental in putting Etna on the fine wine map, and this bottling offers an accessible entry point before stepping up to the estate's single-vineyard Contrada releases. The estate farms nearly 50 hectares organically on Mount Etna's north slope, on soils of volcanic ash, black pumice, and abundant volcanic rock. Vineyards span significant altitude and age variation, including some pre-phylloxera parcels, and the Rosso draws from the younger holdings across Terre Nere's various sites. The house style is often described as offering the ethereal transparency of Pinot Noir combined with the volcanic grip of Nerello Mascalese, a comparison that has become the wine's calling card. The estate's farming is certified organic, and the Rosso sees minimal intervention in the cellar, allowing the volcanic terroir to speak clearly. The 2024 vintage shows a lean, garnet-toned appearance, with fragrant aromatics of red cherry, pressed violet, and wild herbs, and a mineral, volcanic undercurrent running beneath bright red fruit. The palate is medium-bodied and energetic, with fine, sandy tannins, lively acidity, and real length, closer in weight and personality to a cool-climate Burgundy than to a typical Sicilian red. Pair it with roasted game birds, wild mushroom risotto, or grilled swordfish with capers and tomato. It drinks beautifully now but will reward a few years in the cellar if you want the volcanic grip to soften further. In stock at Off Premise in Chicago.