2024 Terre Nere - Etna Bianco DOC Santo Spirito Cuvee delle Vigne Niche (750ml)
Cultivated between 700 and 800 meters on the northern slopes of Mount Etna, this 2024 Etna Bianco showcases 100% organic Carricante sourced exclusively from the Contrada Santo Spirito terraces. Tenuta delle Terre Nere’s founder Marc de Grazia developed the Cuvee delle Vigne Niche line to isolate individual subzones, capturing distinct volcanic profiles. Unlike the denser rocky soils found elsewhere on the mountain, Santo Spirito features deep, loose volcanic ash that imparts a noticeably softer framework while preserving crisp regional minerality.
The grapes ferment and mature in large 10-hectolitre oak barrels for several months prior to bottling. This extended contact with neutral wood protects the delicate fruit aromatics while encouraging the integration of structure without imposing overt oak flavors.
Tasting Notes & Suggested Foods
- Aroma: Open floral notes of chamomile and broom blossom layer over crisp green apple and ripe apricot
- Palate: Silky mid-palate texture carried by bright, well-integrated acidity and a clean slate finish
- Pairings: Ideally matched with white meats, butter or olive oil prepared shellfish, and grilled Mediterranean fish
This single-vineyard bottling reflects a Burgundian approach to Etna vinification, emphasizing soil transparency and varietal purity in every glass.