2021 Tenuta delle Terre Nere Etna Rosso San Lorenzo

Tasting Note

Tenuta delle Terre Nere's San Lorenzo Etna Rosso is a landmark expression from the volcanic slopes of Mount Etna, one of Italy's most compelling and globally influential wine regions of the past two decades. Made from old vine Nerello Mascalese grown in the San Lorenzo contrada on the volcano's northern slope, the 2021 presents a pale ruby hue that deceives: the wine is structured, mineral, and persistent beyond what its color suggests. The nose opens with a bright, lifted quality of red cherry, ripe raspberry, and candied orange peel, framed by dried summer herbs, red spice, and a faint smokiness that recalls the volcanic soil and underground heat unique to Etna. Dry earth, fine stones, and fresh ground pepper develop with aeration, adding savory dimension to the fruit-forward opening. On the palate, the smooth, silky tannins are admirably present without aggression, and the bright acidity channels the wine's energy into a long, saline, mineral finish. This is Nerello Mascalese at its most expressive: translucent, aromatic, and unmistakably of its volcanic origin. The contrada bottlings from Terre Nere represent single-site transparency at its finest, with San Lorenzo consistently showing among the most refined of the estate's parcel wines.

About Tenuta delle Terre Nere

Tenuta delle Terre Nere was founded by Marco de Grazia, an American-born Italian wine importer who recognized Etna's extraordinary potential before the region attracted mainstream attention. The estate farms over 25 hectares of old vine Nerello Mascalese across several contrade on the northern flank of the volcano. De Grazia pioneered the contrada bottling concept on Etna, treating each parcel as a distinct terroir expression in the manner of Burgundy's climat system. The estate's wines are consistently among the most transparent and terroir-faithful Etna Rosso expressions available, commanding global attention and collector interest.

Food Pairings

• Grilled swordfish with caponata and olives

  Nerello's saline mineral finish and bright acidity are well suited to fish preparations with Mediterranean character, particularly those with sweet and sour elements.

• Braised pork shoulder with wild fennel and orange

  The wine's candied orange and dried herb aromatics echo beautifully in Sicilian-style pork preparations, while the tannins stand up to the protein.

• Aged Pecorino Siciliano with honey and pistachios

  The wine's savory, earthy depth is complemented by the sharp tang of aged sheep's milk cheese and the sweetness of local honey.

Frequently Asked