Tenuta Delle Terre Nere Etna Bianco Superiore DOC 2020 Cl 75

Tenuta Delle Terre Nere Etna Bianco Superiore DOC 2020

For centuries and centuries Etna’s northern slopes have been recognized for the best red grapes in the area; so much so that white grapes have never been planted, (except for a small percentage mixed with red grapes to lighten the powerful red wines). And that is why they established the Black Lands Estate here. Nonetheless, some specific areas in the eastern and southern parts of Etna were very attractive, whose ancient and recent history testified to excellent viticultural qualities. Before long, they became particularly interested in viticulture in the smallest municipality in the eastern area, that of Milo. From the 18th century until a dozen years ago only one company existed in Milo, and it was famous for its whites. And when the statutes of D.O.C. Etna were drafted in 1968, only the whites of Milo were granted the epithet Superiore. Indeed, Milo’s microclimate makes the production of red wines unlikely, while that of rosés very interesting, and that of whites potentially admirable even if it requires special attention. The average rainfall in Milo is double that of the northern and southern areas. Its exposures mostly face east, often made difficult and shady by vast borers. The steep terracing of the entire municipality sees the sun forcibly set very early in the shadow of the volcano. What’s more, the climate is very humid, open as it is to the warm sirocco that, having crossed the Ionian Sea, blows directly on the vineyards. So much so that it is not uncommon to find oneself shrouded in fog even on summer evenings. No, it is not a climate for red wines. But an extremely interesting, if challenging, one for whites, who seem to appreciate its particularly cool, moist and breezy nature.