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.
