Terre Nere Etna Rosso Feudo di Mezzo

As the wine industry has continued its expansion, with many countries that had previously never been considered as part of the market for wine – such as China and India – now becoming increasingly fervent in their discovery what the industry has to offer, we have seen many smaller wine producers start to make strong names for themselves on the back of the excellent wines that they produce.

The advent of the Internet has also made it easier than ever for such producers to get their products to the people, leading to a new age of for the industry where those who do not have the established reputations of the big winemakers now have many of the tools that are available to them at their disposals.

Such is the case with Tenuta Delle Terre Nere. Formed around thirty years ago, the winery has been in perfect position to take advantage of the many changes that have led to larger industry expansion. So let’s take a look at the history of the company and what it has to offer to the world of Italian wine.

The History

The start of the Tenuta Delle Terre Nere story occurred thirty years ago, when the company was founded with the aim of bringing a new level of passion and work into the industry, with a particular focus being placed on the creation of fine wines.

The company aimed to set itself apart from the moment it opened its doors. Located on the “island within and island” that is known as Etna – home to the famed volcano that allows for the land to be completely enriched with minerals – the company is a family-run effort that sees familial passion for the industry running deep.

This stunning location is capable of astounding those who visit the winery, but it also serves the practical purpose of imbuing the land with unique characteristics that Tenuta Delle Terre Nere aims to embody in all of its wines. The family themselves have said that they feel as though the land itself chose them and it can’t be denied that this stunning location draws people in and fascinates them.

It is a land where nature is at once remarkable and fierce. Where the fear of danger just around the corner is ever-present, but the rewards of taming the land and expressing its true joys are enough to outweigh the risks.

It is here that the family behind Tenuta Delle Terre Nere chose to express their love for the industry, accepting the often severe natural proclivities of their land as challenges to be overcome in order to show others everything that it has to offer. In doing so, they complete a major part of the Italian wine puzzle, treading where others dare not to tread to offer wines that are representative of one of the more turbulent natural regions in the country.

In order to handle these challenges, the estate maintains a simple philosophy of doing everything in balance with the aim of managing their vineyards so that they give as much to the land as they take away. A sustainable and organic approach has been adopted so that future generations can enjoy what we enjoy now from Tenuta Delle Terre Nere.

The company sets itself apart by employing some of the finest minds in viticulture to ensure consistent quality is maintained throughout everything they do. This dedication to quality allows the company to harvest consistently wonderful grapes, which make up the foundations of the wonderful wines that they produce.

Above all else, the company aims to express the character and variety that the land is able to provide, which means offering great respect to it and working alongside it to create wines that are unique an wholly representative of the region.

All of this is achieved through the creation of a great team that understands this philosophy and applies it to everything they do. Everybody at Tenuta Delle Terre Nere has a heightened sensibility that allows them to understand the delicate nature of tending such volatile land, allowing them to work together to coax the unique flavours from it that the volcanic soil is capable of producing, assuming enough skill is applied to its tending.

What drives Tenuta Delle Terre Nere more than anything is not perfection in the industry. This cannot be obtained due to the subjective nature of wine. No, the company instead aims to craft a perfect harmony with its natural environment by using the tools that their land provides them, alongside carefully honed production techniques, to ensure that every bottle of wine they create is representative of Etna, for better or worse.

All of this sets Tenuta Delle Terre Nere apart from other Italian winemakers, allowing them to offer a different product that is still deserving of the acclaim that many large producers enjoy. To prove it to you, let’s take a look at one of the best vintages to emerge from the company in recent years.

Terre Nere Etna Rosso Feudo di Mezzo – Il Quadro delle Rose 2013

Do not let the presence of the word “Rose” in the name fool you. This is an Italian red wine that is truly deserving of the name.

The respect that Tenuta Delle Terre Nere has for their land can be seen immediately, as the ruby red colouring of the wine is indicative of grapes that have been aged to perfection, meaning the drinker will experience everything that such unique terroir has to offer.

An elegant bouquet contains notes of ripened red fruits and red cherries, instantly enrapturing the drinker and encouraging them to sample the delights contained within their glass. For many, the act of taking in this scent is the first step to discovering what the volcanic soils of Etna have to offer, but it is in the tasting that your instincts will be confirmed.

Harmonious is perhaps the best word to describe this wine, as every aspect of it melds together perfectly. It is truly representative of the respect that Tenuta Delle Terre Nere has for its land and you will gain a great appreciation for the company’s philosophy from the very first sip.