Located on the northern slopes of Mount Etna in Sicily, Tenuta delle Terre Nere is widely regarded as one of the leading estates of the Etna DOC. The estate was established in 2002 by Marco de Grazia, who recognised the remarkable potential of Etna’s volcanic terroir to produce wines of precision and complexity. Today the domaine covers approximately 45 hectares of vineyards, planted high on the slopes of Europe’s most active volcano.

The vineyards are located between the villages of Solicchiata and Randazzo at elevations ranging from 600 to 1,000 metres above sea level. These high-altitude sites benefit from a unique microclimate, where significant day–night temperature differences help preserve freshness and aromatic intensity in the grapes. The volcanic soils, formed from centuries of lava flows, create a complex mosaic of sandy and mineral-rich terrains that contribute to the distinctive character of the wines.

Tenuta delle Terre Nere is divided into several historic vineyard parcels known locally as “contrade”, each with its own geological and microclimatic identity. Among the most notable sites are Calderara Sottana, San Lorenzo, Santo Spirito and Feudo di Mezzo. These crus allow the estate to produce wines that express the subtle differences between Etna’s many terroirs.

The vineyards have been organically farmed since 2002 and certified organic since 2010. Many of the vines are exceptionally old, ranging from 50 to over 100 years of age, with some rare parcels of pre-phylloxera vines exceeding 140 years old. These old vines naturally produce small yields of highly concentrated fruit. The estate works primarily with indigenous Sicilian grape varieties, including Nerello Mascalese and Nerello Cappuccio for Etna Rosso, and Carricante, Catarratto, Inzolia and Grecanico for Etna Bianco. In the cellar, fermentations are carried out with native yeasts in stainless steel tanks and large wooden vats, followed by ageing in oak barrels and casks with a modest proportion of new oak for 16 to 20 months.

The wines of Tenuta delle Terre Nere are known for their elegance and precision, combining fragrant aromatics with mineral depth. Each cru expresses a different facet of Etna’s volcanic landscape, producing wines that reflect the authenticity and remarkable diversity of this historic Sicilian terroir.