Tenuta delle Terre Nere
Etna Rosso Moganazzi
Etna, Catania, Sicily, Italy
I met up with a few friends at Buvette to celebrate a 39th birthday over lunch. As customary, I asked if they would like me to pick out the wine and they gave me the green light. I scampered off to the wall of Italian wines and saw this bottle of Marc de Grazia’s, Tenuta Delle Terre Nere from the elusive “Moganazzi” contrada which sits just below Guardiola, at about 700m elevation. Until recently, his production of Moganazzi was exclusive to a charity release only. However, he was able to purchase another parcel and now Moganazzi gets a broader release. However, “broader” is only relative as we’re still only talking about 3000 bottles produced.
Popped and poured and enjoyed over lunch with a few friends on a beautiful spring afternoon at Buvette. No formal notes due to the setting. The 2019 “Moganazzi” pours a bright ruby color with transparent core. It’s actually quite something to behold as it dazzles in the sunlight with each swirl. The nose is expressive, redolent of fresh ripe red fruits (cherries and strawberries), pink flowers, crushed rocky earth and a kiss of spices. The structure is quite firm but in the medium range. In fact, I would place this as medium across the board. A wine of great balance and versatility; particularly with food. On this occasion, it was a smashing pairing with mushroom risotto and braised oxtail. Drink now or enjoy through 2034.
I met up with a few friends at Buvette to celebrate a 39th birthday over lunch. As customary, I asked if they would like me to pick out the wine and they gave me the green light. I scampered off to the wall of Italian wines and saw this bottle of Marc de Grazia’s, Tenuta Delle Terre Nere from the elusive “Moganazzi” contrada which sits just below Guardiola, at about 700m elevation. Until recently, his production of Moganazzi was exclusive to a charity release only. However, he was able to purchase another parcel and now Moganazzi gets a broader release. However, “broader” is only relative as we’re still only talking about 3000 bottles produced.
Popped and poured and enjoyed over lunch with a few friends on a beautiful spring afternoon at Buvette. No formal notes due to the setting. The 2019 “Moganazzi” pours a bright ruby color with transparent core. It’s actually quite something to behold as it dazzles in the sunlight with each swirl. The nose is expressive, redolent of fresh ripe red fruits (cherries and strawberries), pink flowers, crushed rocky earth and a kiss of spices. The structure is quite firm but in the medium range. In fact, I would place this as medium across the board. A wine of great balance and versatility; particularly with food. On this occasion, it was a smashing pairing with mushroom risotto and braised oxtail. Drink now or enjoy through 2034.
Outstanding Cru from Marco de Grazie This is a classic Etna Cru. It is structured and bold with mineralogy and length. Good drinking now but will live for some time
Outstanding Cru from Marco de Grazie This is a classic Etna Cru. It is structured and bold with mineralogy and length. Good drinking now but will live for some time
Apr 11th, 2020
Very good Nerello, alteady quite approachable
Very good Nerello, alteady quite approachable
Jan 24th, 2025This is a gentle but well rounded delight
This is a gentle but well rounded delight
May 26th, 2023
A single vineyard expression made from 98% Nerello Mascalese and 2% Nerello Cappuccio, the 2020 Moganazzi shimmers medium-ruby and introduces a wider range of red and black berries compared to the standard bottling. Swirling the glass reveals well-defined aromas of sour cherry, raspberry, figs, freshly cut herbs and delicate wood smoke. The medium-bodied palate offers a wonderful, almost silky texture with fine grained tannins, combined with a zesty high acidity, giving the wine a lifting freshness. Terre Nerre wines are always about elegance and reminiscent of a hypothetical blend between Burgundy and Piemonte. Drink now until 2040.
A single vineyard expression made from 98% Nerello Mascalese and 2% Nerello Cappuccio, the 2020 Moganazzi shimmers medium-ruby and introduces a wider range of red and black berries compared to the standard bottling. Swirling the glass reveals well-defined aromas of sour cherry, raspberry, figs, freshly cut herbs and delicate wood smoke. The medium-bodied palate offers a wonderful, almost silky texture with fine grained tannins, combined with a zesty high acidity, giving the wine a lifting freshness. Terre Nerre wines are always about elegance and reminiscent of a hypothetical blend between Burgundy and Piemonte. Drink now until 2040.
Jan 24th, 2023
Tasting at Tenuta seller Terrre Nere. More black fruit forward with a bit of spice and earthy. All though the same age as Caldera Sottana, more bold and rich.
Tasting at Tenuta seller Terrre Nere. More black fruit forward with a bit of spice and earthy. All though the same age as Caldera Sottana, more bold and rich.
Jul 18th, 2022Best of the lineup but probably because of the added age. Shows a lot more Rioja-like spice vs the burgundy profile of the other crus. Maybe cumin, sumac. High acid and finer tannins
Best of the lineup but probably because of the added age. Shows a lot more Rioja-like spice vs the burgundy profile of the other crus. Maybe cumin, sumac. High acid and finer tannins
Oct 30th, 2021
