2024 Terre Nere - Etna Bianco DOC Montalto Vigne Niche (750ml)

Tenuta delle Terre Nere was established by Marc de Grazia, an Italian wine importer who turned his attention to winemaking after recognizing the untapped potential in Etna's ancient, forgotten vineyards. He became one of the first producers on the mountain to bottle single-parcel wines, drawing international attention to the individual contradas scattered across its slopes. His Vigne Niche whites grew out of this same instinct for isolating and celebrating a single site's personality rather than blending across the estate.

The Montalto bottling comes from a tiny two-hectare parcel of Carricante vines between 60 and 90 years old, planted on the southern slopes of Etna at 900 to 975 meters above sea level, among the highest sites in the entire DOC. The soil is mostly loose volcanic ash dotted with small stones, and the extreme altitude brings a wide swing between daytime and nighttime temperatures that slows ripening and preserves natural acidity. The wine is fermented in stainless steel and aged for nine months before release.

The result is a linear, high-toned white with lemon zest, white peach, and wild herb aromas, backed by crushed stone minerality and a racy, saline finish. It pairs well with shellfish, light pasta dishes, or delicate white fish.