Tasting Notes
The Montalto Bianco is a 2 hectare vineyard at 950masl on the northern slopes of Mount Etna. The vines are 60-90 years of age and planted to 100% Carricante. The soils are deep volcanic in composition, mainly of volcanic ash, that are loose with the presence of small stones. The wine is characterised by a voluptuous softness and spicy and “warm” aromas, underlined by a full alcoholic vigour and a balanced freshness resulting from the combination of full exposure at noon and a very high altitude. - Producer Note
Tenuta delle Terre Nere is the highly respected estate founded by Marco de Grazia in the early 2000s on the northern slopes of Mount Etna, Sicily—an “island within an island” marked by dramatic elevation and volcanic soils. Covering around 45–55 hectares across multiple contrade (cru sites), the vineyards sit between 600 and 1,000 meters above sea level and include pre-phylloxera vines—some over 140 years old—that infuse the wines with rare depth and nuance.
The estate specializes in Nerello Mascalese-dominant red wines—often blended with Nerello Cappuccio—as well as Carricante-based whites, all crafted to reflect the character of their individual sites. Farming is organic and site-focused, and winemaking is restrained and terroir-driven: carefully co-fermented micro-parcels, native fermentations, and judicious use of neutral oak and amphora uphold freshness and elegance without overwork.
Marco’s vision has always been guided by Burgundian principles of climats: expressing subtle variations across terroirs with grace and precision. The result is a portfolio of wines—from entry-level Etna Rosso to single-vineyard, old-vine bottlings—marked by fragrant lift, mineral tension, structural finesse, and a captivating balance of vibrancy and depth.
| Product Type | Wine White Other Varietals & Blends |
| Volume | 750ml |
| Country | Italy |
| Region | Sicily |
| Sub Region | Etna |
| Winemaking Practices | Minimal Intervention |
| Vineyard Practices | Organic/Biodynamic |