Terre Nere Etna Bianco Superiore Contrada Salice 2023

Terre Nere Etna Bianco Superiore Contrada Salice 2023 is a refined expression of high-altitude Carricante from the volcanic slopes of Mount Etna. Focused, mineral and beautifully precise, it showcases why Etna Bianco has become one of Italy’s most exciting white wine styles. This single-contrada bottling captures the unique character of Salice, delivering both tension and elegance in the glass.

Tasting Notes
In the glass, the 2023 Contrada Salice shines a pale straw to light gold, with greenish reflections that hint at its freshness and youth. The nose is finely etched and quietly complex: think lemon zest, green and yellow citrus, crisp apple, fresh herbs and wild fennel, layered over wet stone, sea breeze and a delicate floral lift. On the palate, this is taut and linear yet surprisingly textured, with Carricante’s hallmark acidity driving the wine from start to finish. Flavors of citrus, green pear, white peach and salted almond unfold over a distinctly volcanic, smoky minerality. The finish is long, saline and mouthwatering, with a subtle, almost chalky grip that promises excellent development in bottle. While already very enjoyable in its youth, the 2023 has the structure and freshness to age gracefully for 6–10 years, gaining complexity, honeyed notes and deeper savory nuances over time.

Production
Contrada Salice is a high-altitude site on the northern slopes of Mount Etna in Sicily, rooted in decomposed lava, ash and basaltic sands that give the wine its striking mineral profile. The vineyards, largely planted to Carricante, benefit from cool nights and strong diurnal shifts, preserving acidity and aromatic precision. Grapes are typically harvested by hand to ensure careful selection of bunches, especially important on Etna’s steep, terraced slopes. In the cellar, Tenuta delle Terre Nere works with a light touch: gentle pressing, temperature-controlled fermentation (often in stainless steel and/or neutral large barrels) and aging on fine lees to build texture without masking terroir. The result is a transparent, terroir-driven Etna Bianco Superiore that speaks clearly of its volcanic origins.

Food & Serving
This Etna Bianco Superiore is a natural match for seafood and refined Mediterranean dishes: think crudo, oysters, grilled prawns, seared scallops, linguine alle vongole, or simply prepared white fish with lemon and herbs. It also pairs beautifully with goat cheese, burrata, vegetable antipasti, asparagus, artichokes and lightly spiced poultry or veal. Serve well-chilled but not icy, ideally around 9–11°C (48–52°F), to allow the aromatics and texture to open up. A brief 15–30 minutes in the fridge before serving is perfect; decanting is not essential, but a larger-bowled white wine glass and a bit of air in the glass will help the wine reveal its layers.

Producer
Tenuta delle Terre Nere is one of the pioneering estates of Mount Etna, widely credited with helping to reveal the region’s potential for world-class, terroir-driven wines. Founded and led by Marco de Grazia, the estate was among the first to champion single-contrada bottlings, treating Etna’s volcanic crus much like Burgundy’s climats. Working largely with old vines on steep, high-altitude terraces, the winery focuses on organic viticulture and minimal-intervention winemaking to preserve the voice of each site. Today, Tenuta delle Terre Nere is considered a benchmark producer for both Etna Rosso and Etna Bianco, consistently earning high critical praise and playing a central role in establishing Etna as one of Italy’s premier wine regions.

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