Alcohol: 14%
Grape(s): Nerello Mascalese
Localization: Sicily, Italy
Tasting Notes: Pale ruby in color with a strong bouquet of rich ripe fruit and spice on the nose. Structured on the palate, full and complex with smooth tannins. Pairs well with meats and seasoned cheeses.
95pts Vinous: Remarkably pretty, the Etna Rosso San Lorenzo wafts up with an array of dried flowers, cloves and lavender. Lifted and finessed, this opens with a hint of candied orange that enlivens its core of tart wild berries. Brisk acidity keeps the experience fresh throughout. Staining the palate in concentration, the San Lorenzo tapers off gently tannic and crunchy in feel, leaving gorgeous floral perfumes to linger on. This is the understated darling of the Terre Nere portfolio, and I expect that cellaring will bring even more complexity.
The Domain: Tenuta Delle Terre Nere is the fruit of over 30 years of passion and works 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 ideas, that drives them to give the best of ourselves in the quest, not of perfection, but of the ideal bond between what nature gives us and that which our sensitivity, experience, and imagination suggest.
