"Tenuta delle Terre Nere remains both a benchmark on [Etna] and an important force shaping its next generation." - Eric Guido, Vinous
Etna is arguably Italy's most dynamic wine region at present, and leading the way is a familiar name to Italian aficionados, Tenuta della Terre Nere. Winemaker Marco de Grazia has been a force in the region's rise to prominence, and his 2024s continue a remarkable run of excellence for this iconic estate, with a raft of massive recent accolades from several prominent critics.
The inimitable single-vineyard bottlings are collectible gems in every way (more on those below), but the entry-level, triple 94-point 2024 Etna Rosso shows every bit of de Grazia's top-tier talent that the flagship bottlings do. Sourced from younger vines across the estate's prized vineyards on the north side of the volcano, the 2024 is "soothingly round, cool-toned and silky in texture with polished red fruits swirling throughout" according to Eric Guido. "The wine is full of fruit, and its lush, ripe quality is beautiful," write Monica Larner. The 93-point 2025 Etna Bianco is likewise a proven winner, "perky, saline and smooth, with enough body to give it presence without getting in the way."
The 2024 single-vineyard reds, however, represent a remarkable benchmark for the estate with stratospheric scores from Suckling, Larner, and Guido. We went in on the entire range - they are that impressive across the board, led by a pair of all-time collectible greats in the triple 98-point 2024 Dagala di Bocca d'Orzo Etna Rosso and the 99-point 2024 Prephylloxera La Vigna di Don Peppino Calderara Sottana. Keen-eyed Sicily fans won't want to miss the "absolutely stunning" 97-point 2024 San Lorenzo Etna Rosso or the "fabulous length and structure" of the double 97-point 2024 Caldera Sottana Etna Rosso. Of course, these are just the highlights in another showstopping range of wines that doesn't miss a single mark across the board. If you're a Terre Nere fan (and we know there are countless of you out there), this is a line-up that you will want featured prominently in your cellar.
Strawberry, caramel and cedar aromas with hints of vanilla are enticing. Medium-bodied with fine, firm tannins and a juicy, lightly chewy finish. Turns smoky and almost peaty at the end with dried herbs local to the volcanic slopes. Typical and sophisticated. Drink or hold.
97 points, James Suckling (Jun 2026)
The Tenuta delle Terre Nere 2024 Etna Rosso Feudo di Mezzo Il Quadro Delle Rose comes from a distinctive old-vine parcel within Feudo di Mezzo, Etna’s largest contrada. The name refers to a traditional cadastral division of approximately 6,000 square meters. Once divided between two families, this became one of the largest contiguous holdings on Etna. The vineyard, dotted with peach, quince and prickly pear, is planted to vines now approximately 65 years old. Fruit from vines younger than 50 is excluded from this bottling. It is also among the estate’s first parcels harvested, generally around October 4 to 6. The 2024 has a darker cast to its fruit and a heavier center of gravity. “This pisses me off,” Marco de Grazia jokes. Immediately after being racked off the skins, the wine was almost complete. There is a frustrating effortlessness to it. Chalky tannins and ample fruit convey the exuberant character of the vintage, yet the wine remains composed. Il Quadro delle Rose also has a proven ability to age beautifully.
95 points, Monica Larner, Wine Advocate (Sep 2026)
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