This little beauty comes to us from Etna, the active volcano in Sicily, from vineyards that sit at their lowest 2,100 feet to their highest of 3,200 feet above sea level. It's made up of 98% Nerello Mascalese and 2% Nerello Capuccino. The vineyard has begun to undergo changes to organic viticulture starting in 2007 and by 2010 will have its certification. The vines vary in age from 40 to 100 years old.
Tenuta delle Terre Nere makes the rosso as a blend of their youngest vines from their 3 "cru" vineyard sites: Guardiola, Calderara and Feudo di Mezzo on Etna. Unlike the rather rustic scene you think of when conjuring up what vines might look like on the side of a volcano, the wine is elegant, beautiful and fruity, yet perfumed. Comparisons to Burgundy and Barolo are not uncommon.
The 2009 Rosso is mid-weight and elegant, not heavy, but lush. The nose is full of fresh raspberries and strawberries with a hint of minerals. It also extends a perfume-y quality that lends to a more complex nose than it should at this price. The palate is just the same - fresh fruits that have lots of lush flavor. It's just mid-weight and almost weightless. NOT light or flimsy, just subtle. Unfortunately, it's limited, so get in here and take some home!
Terre Nerre Etna Rosso 2009 $17 a bottle
