At a glance

Producer

Tenuta delle Terre Nere

Region

Etna DOC, Sicily, Italy

Grape variety

Nerello Mascalese

Wine type

Red

Body

Medium-bodied and Earthy

Sweetness

Dry

Typical price

$50-$80

Tasting profile

Bright red cherry, wild strawberry, floral notes with mineral and volcanic ash hints; earthy undertones.

Evolution: Develops more complex tertiary notes like forest floor, smoked herbs, and leather after 5-7 years.

At peak: Balanced mature fruit and tertiary aromas with silky tannins and vibrant acidity supporting long finish.

Structure

Acidity

Bright, refreshing acidity characteristic of volcanic soils

Tannins

Medium to firm tannins, well integrated

Alcohol

13.5% ABV

Aging potential

12-15 years from vintage

Drinking window

Peak drinking

2027 to 2046

Optimal window

2024 to 2049

Current status

Approaching early maturity, drinking well

Current condition

The 2021 vintage currently shows fresh red fruits and balanced structure with vibrant acidity and firm but integrated tannins.

The 2021 vintage at Tenuta delle Terre Nere’s Calderara Sottana vineyard offers classic Nerello Mascalese profile with volcanic minerality and firm structure. The acidity and tannins provide excellent balance and aging potential especially in this vintage, which had ideal ripening conditions and lower yields, extending the drinking window into the mid 2030s.

Food pairing

Pairs well with grilled lamb, roasted game birds, aged cheeses, porcini mushroom dishes, and Mediterranean herb-seasoned dishes.

Serving

Serving temperature

16-18°C / 61-64°F

Decant

Yes (30-45 minutes) — To allow the wine’s firm tannins and complex aromas to open up, enhancing the floral and mineral character.

Sustainability

Sustainability score: 8/10

Terre Nere employs sustainable viticulture: minimal use of pesticides, water conservation via drip irrigation, renewable energy use in winery, lightweight bottles to reduce packaging impact.

Tenuta delle Terre Nere emphasized low-impact, organic vineyard farming on steep Etna slopes preserving biodiversity. Their energy-efficient winery and eco-friendly packaging frame a sustainability-focused approach minimizing carbon footprint and environmental degradation.