2019 Tenuta Delle Terre Nere Santo Spirito Etna Rosso

It's easy to underestimate the impact the wines of Mount Etna have had over the last 10 years. From near obscurity, to now being some of the most highly sought after wines of Italy, led in part from producers such as Tenuta delle Terre Nere. The winery is owned by the widely acclaimed Marco De Grazia who is one of the winemakers responsible for bringing the wines of Etna to prominence on the world stage.

The red wines of Etna, produced from predominantly Nerello Mascalese, are often compared to a variety marrying the traits of Nebbiolo and Pinot Noir. Terre Nere take their wines a step further than most, and highlight the cru vineyards of the region with wines made at varying altitudes, along with vines planted on the pure Ellittico lava flow terroir. These delicate, perfumed, and intense wines translate the soil and season like few other wines in the world, and with demand far outweighing supply they are now increasingly hard to secure.

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. The soil of Santo Spirito is deep and rich volcanic ash, its grass a lush emerald green, and the vines vigorous and abundant. Santo Spirito’s wines are luscious, seductive, and fleshy, yet still with exceptional balance and purity.

Other Reviews....
This Etna red has so much going for it, but the amerena-cherry aroma is very ripe and, on the palate, the first impression is of suppleness that we don’t immediately associate with this appellation. Lovely balance right now, thanks to the full body and moderate tannins. Good length, but only moderate tension at the finish. From organically grown grapes. Drink or hold.
93 points
Stuart Pigott - JamesSuckling.com