Tenuta delle Terre Nere Calderara Sottana 2022

"Being one of the first on the scene in Etna imparted Marco de Grazia with insights into the region that few others possess. Because of this, he's been able to grow the Tenuta delle Terre Nere portfolio by leaps and bounds over the last 20 years while staying ahead of the curve the entire way.": Eric Guido, Vinous.com 2024

This vineyard is all rock, specifically volcanic pumice, and sits at 600-700m asl in the region of Randazzo. This pumice attracts heat during the day and then emits it to the roots overnight. This is the steepest, hardest, rockiest vineyard and vines are between 50 and 100 years old. Only 3 vineyards on the northern side of the volcano have pure ancient volcanic soils, Bocca D'Orzo, San Lorenzo and Calderara Sottana. Though young by geological standards, this is the oldest type of soil where it is possible to plant in the entire appellation. Wine produced from these soils contain the widest spectrum of flavours, aromas and nuances and can be both aromatic and austere at the same time. This wine is incredibly evocative with aromas of both rust, orange peel, tobacco leaf and fresh red flowers. Packed with the darker fruits you see in Calderara Sottana, dark berries and salted plums, also spice notes and mineral notes like graphite and asphalt and saline. The tannin structure is fine and grainy and the finish both long, sleek and powerful.

Country: Italy
Producer: Terre Nere
Region: Sicily