Tenuta delle Terre Nere, Cuvee delle Vigne Niche Montalto Etna Bianco, Sicily, Italy, 2023

Overview of the Wine
Tenuta delle Terre Nere is the fruit of over 30 years of passion and work in the world of fine wine.

And an extraordinary location, as well - this "island within an island" that is the Etna. A place where nature is prodigal but also severe. And here they try with all their heart to express as purely as possible the refined and multifaceted microcosm of this ancient volcanic land. With respect, care and hard farm work, always in organic balance.

The estate's philosophy is simple. Given an extreme climate, in order to obtain the best and most consistent ripening, our attention must focus on vineyard management. The finest workmanship in all aspects of viticulture is the first thing that sets them apart. And what enables them, bringing home exceptionally fine grapes, not to be invasive in their cellar work. A work best described as aimed above all at expressing the character of their varieties in their specific terroir.

A great team, a delicate hand and a heightened sensibility, as well. And their ideals, that drive them to give the best of ourselves in quest, not of perfection, but of the ideal bond between what nature gives us and that which our sensitivity, experience and imagination suggests.

All this sets them apart.

Natural.

Winemaker
Marc de Grazia

Grape / Blend
100% Carricante

Origin
Sicily, Italy

Winemaker's Tasting Notes
Whites characterized by a voluptuous softness and spicy and “warm” scents, underlined by a full alcoholic vigor and a balanced freshness resulting from the combination of a full exposure at noon and a very high altitude.

96 Points - James Suckling
Limes, lemons and grapefruit with white flowers. Medium- to full-bodied, this has a solid core of fruit, a mineral intensity and a tight, integrated mouthfeel. Long and flavorful. The high-altitude vineyard stands at 950 meters. Drink now. 

94 Points - Vinous
The 2023 Etna Bianco Montalto is savory to the core with an herbal thrust that gives way to stone dust, dried flowers and sour melon. It's round and juicy upon entry, with a core of saline-infused orchard fruits adding youthful tension toward the close. The 2023 leaves nuances of nectarine and spice as it tapers off with amazing length through the potent salt-lick finale.

92 Points - Jeb Dunnuck
A silver/yellow hue, the 2023 Etna Bianco Montalto offers more complexity, though it remains pure with notes of green almond, lime and lemon rind, wet stones, and white peaches. Medium-bodied, it has more pronounced salinity accenting the palate, with a savory and mouthwatering finish. Drink 2025-2032.

91 Points - Wine Spectator
A salty white, with mouthwatering acidity framing flavors of nectarine, star fruit, grapefruit peel, lemon thyme and white pepper, plus rich hints of chopped hazelnut and almond. Lip-smacking and minerally. Drink now through 2030. 500 cases made, 175 cases imported.

Product size: 750ml