2024 Terre Nere - Etna Bianco Superiore Salice (750ml)

Tenuta delle Terre Nere was built into one of Etna's most acclaimed estates by Marc de Grazia, an Italian wine importer who turned vigneron after recognizing the potential of the volcano's ancient, long-overlooked vineyards. He was among the first to bottle single-parcel wines from Etna, drawing attention to the distinct character of individual contradas across the mountain. For his white wines, de Grazia looked east to Milo, the only municipality permitted to carry the Etna Superiore designation, and the historic home of the region's finest whites long before its reds earned recognition.

The Salice bottling is sourced from a tiny 1.2-hectare plot in the Contrada Salice, planted with Carricante vines between 50 and 80 years old. The vineyard sits on the eastern side of Etna between 600 and 750 meters above sea level, where the soil is deep and composed mainly of volcanic and "ripiddu" ash, holding more moisture than the rockier ground found elsewhere on the mountain. This combination of old vines, altitude, and ash-rich soil gives the wine unusual richness and concentration for a Carricante.

The wine shows peach, white flowers, and ripe stone fruit layered over a saline, mineral core, with bright acidity carrying a long, lemony finish. It complements richer seafood dishes, roasted white meats, or aged cheeses.