VinopolPick

Weekend Edition

vinopolis wine shop • portland, or • 503.223.6002

August 11, 2013

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WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT TERRE NERE
Terre Nere’s Marco de Grazia, is a major force in the wine revolution taking place on the northern slopes of Mount Etna in Sicily. As an importer of wines to the United States, he has long been a champion of unsung regions throughout Italy, but in 2002 decided to add winery owner to his CV. This is dark volcanic soil and organic farming at super-high altitude, yielding wines that are regularly awarded the Gambero Rosso Tre Bicchieri.

The Terre Nere vines are spread out of over 30 hectares, divided into 10 parcels in four different crus (three of which are offered here). Except for 6 hectares recently planted, the vines are between 50 and 100 years old, with one parcel, having survived phylloxera,dating back 130-140. The four reds offered are each 100% Nerello Mascalese, and tend toward elegance more so than power. The single Bianco offered is 100% old vines Carricante, gathered from small plots scattered around Mt Etna, hence ‘Vigne Niche.’

FIND THESE WINES and more than 2600 others @ vinopoliswineshop.com

Tenuta Delle Terre Nere

Tenuta Delle Terre Nere Etna Bianco Cuvee Delle Vigne Niche 2010 ($39.95) $33 special

Antonio Galloni 93 points “Terre Nere’s 2010 Etna Bianco Cuvee Vigne Niche wraps around the palate with serious depth, power and richness. I very much like the way the 2010 fleshes out in the glass, coming at the palate in all directions with seemingly endless layers and pure, delineated fruit. Smoke, white truffle and orange peel are layered into the textured, exotic finish. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2016.”Tenuta Delle Terre Nere Etna Rosso Calderara Sottana 2010 ($49.95) $34.50 special
Antonio Galloni 91 points “The 2010 Etna Rosso Calderara Sottana is a lovely introduction to the vintage at Terre Nere. Pine, menthol, red cherries and wild flowers all take shape in the glass. Firm tannins provide the backbone in this finely sculpted, chiseled Nerello Mascalese. Savory notes reappear to frame the bright, high-toned finish. If opened today, the 2010 will benefit from a few hours of air. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2020.”

Tenuta Delle Terre Nere Etna Rosso Feudo di Mezzo Il Quadro Delle Rose 2010 ($49.95) $35.70 special
Antonio Galloni 91+ points “The 2010 Etna Rosso Feudo di Mezzo Il Quadro delle Rose comes across as deep, powerful and earthy. This is a decidedly dark, brooding Nerello Mascalese. Firm, incisive tannins don’t seem to soften, even with considerable aeration. The 2010 is best left alone for another year or two, but it is hard to imagine it developing into a wine of true finesse. My impression is that the 2010 will always remain a bit of a brute. New leather, earthiness, tobacco, smoke and incense all add complexity on the mysterious, beguiling finish. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2025”

Tenuta Delle Terre Nere Etna Rosso Santo Spirito 2010 ($49.95) $37 special
Antonio Galloni 92+ points “The 2010 Etna Rosso Santo Spirito is quite pretty, seamless and understated. Sweet red cherries, flowers, licorice and incense are all woven together in this soft, gracious wine that is quite appealing. The Santo Spirito has a bit more density and weight than the Guardiola, but the balance of fruit, acidity and tannin is fabulous. Hints of spice, new leather, tobacco and fennel are woven into the supple, expressive finish. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2020”

Tenuta Delle Terre Nere Prephylloxera le Vigne di Don Peppino 2010 ($89.95) $77 special
Antonio Galloni 94 points “The highlight in this range of 2010s is the Etna Rosso Prephylloxera La Vigna di Don Peppino, easily the most refined of these offerings from Terre Nere. A gorgeous, vibrant core of fruit caresses the palate in this expressive and totally delicious wine. The 2010 isn’t as big or rich as some previous versions, instead it is a wine that impresses for its considerable length and pure finesse on the palate. Tobacco and spice notes add complexity to the finish in a Nerello Mascalese that bears more than a passing resemblance to the Volnays of the Cote de Beaune. D’Angerville comes to mind. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2025.”