Producer Article
Tenuta delle Terre Nere
Last edited on 9/10/2019 by srh
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The two vineyards in Santo Spirito are the last ones we bought, the second property acquired in two steps. Santo Spirito is adjacent to Guardiola’s northern boundary and lower in altitude as its slopes descend towards the Alcantara valley. And though adjacent, it couldn’t be more different. An outstandingly beautiful location, gentle wide terraces flowing sweetly in striking contrast to steep, graggy Guardiola. Again, Santo Spirito’s soil is deep rich volcanic ash, its grass a lush emerald green, its vigorous vines displaying a well fed abundance. Santo Spirito’s wines are luscious and sensual, always seductive in their almost fleshy bouquet, and in their buttermilk richness. And yet there’s still a balance and a purity there, very sophisticated, yes, but tender as well. Generous and vulnerable at once.
The estate is located in the northern slopes of the volcano, with vineyards between the village of Solicchiata and the town of Randazzo, the area historically recognized as the finest in the appellation for fine red wines. The property consists of over 30 hectars, divided into 10 parcels in four crus, with a total vineyard surface of 23 hectars, which we mean to enlarge to 30-32 hectars. Except for 6 hectars recently planted, the rest are between 50 and 100 years old. One parcel, having survived phylloxera, has reached the venerable age of 130-140 years old. The soils differ very much from cru to cru, and even within the crus themselves. The same is true of the altitudes, our vineyards ranging between 600 and 1000 metres above sea level. In Santo Spirito we have two vineyards as well. Although adjacent to Guardiola, the soil is dramatically different: a rich deep volcanic ash so fine as to call to mind talcum powder, were it not jet black. Besides estate owned vineyards, Terre Nere has long term leases on 4 hectars and buys grapes from small local vignerons who follow our organic procedures. All our wines are produced from local varieties, and all are D.O.C. Etna.
U.S. Importer (Addt'l Info)
The two vineyards in Santo Spirito are the last ones we bought, the second property acquired in two steps. Santo Spirito is adjacent to Guardiola’s northern boundary and lower in altitude as its slopes descend towards the Alcantara valley. And though adjacent, it couldn’t be more different. An outstandingly beautiful location, gentle wide terraces flowing sweetly in striking contrast to steep, graggy Guardiola. Again, Santo Spirito’s soil is deep rich volcanic ash, its grass a lush emerald green, its vigorous vines displaying a well fed abundance. Santo Spirito’s wines are luscious and sensual, always seductive in their almost fleshy bouquet, and in their buttermilk richness. And yet there’s still a balance and a purity there, very sophisticated, yes, but tender as well. Generous and vulnerable at once.
The estate is located in the northern slopes of the volcano, with vineyards between the village of Solicchiata and the town of Randazzo, the area historically recognized as the finest in the appellation for fine red wines. The property consists of over 30 hectars, divided into 10 parcels in four crus, with a total vineyard surface of 23 hectars, which we mean to enlarge to 30-32 hectars. Except for 6 hectars recently planted, the rest are between 50 and 100 years old. One parcel, having survived phylloxera, has reached the venerable age of 130-140 years old. The soils differ very much from cru to cru, and even within the crus themselves. The same is true of the altitudes, our vineyards ranging between 600 and 1000 metres above sea level. In Santo Spirito we have two vineyards as well. Although adjacent to Guardiola, the soil is dramatically different: a rich deep volcanic ash so fine as to call to mind talcum powder, were it not jet black. Besides estate owned vineyards, Terre Nere has long term leases on 4 hectars and buys grapes from small local vignerons who follow our organic procedures. All our wines are produced from local varieties, and all are D.O.C. Etna.