2025 Tenuta Delle Terre Nere Etna Rosato, Sicily

Cantaloupe and ripe peaches with some grapefruit undertones and hints of pink roses follow through to a medium body with creamy texture and a flavorful finish. Bright and energetic throughout. Drink now.

93 points James Suckling

Tenuta delle Terre Nere has been one of the key estates behind Etna’s extraordinary modern revival. Marco de Grazia began assembling vineyards on the volcano’s northern slopes in the early 2000s, drawn to ancient vines, dramatic altitude and the mosaic of lava flows that make Etna feel more like a collection of individual crus than a single appellation. The Rosato carries that same fascination with place into a lighter, wonderfully energetic style.

Nerello Mascalese is the star, grown high on Etna’s volcanic slopes where intense Sicilian sunshine meets cool nights and considerable altitude. The black volcanic soils are famously poor and stony, while those dramatic temperature swings help retain perfume and acidity. The 2025 is not a soft, fruity Provence imitation. It has the pale colour and refreshment we want from rosé, but with the mineral bite and savoury personality that make Etna unmistakable.

Pale copper pink with wild strawberry, redcurrant and blood orange leading into pink grapefruit and delicate flowers. Pomegranate, fennel and a little dried oregano add savoury detail, with a smoky, stony character underneath. The palate is dry and beautifully energetic, with tart red fruit and citrus riding bright acidity. Grapefruit peel, pomegranate and a salty volcanic edge make the finish particularly appetising.

Charred octopus with lemon, capers and white beans would be superb, while grilled swordfish with tomato and olives, tuna crudo, prawn linguine or eggplant involtini keep things firmly Sicilian. A plate of arancini would disappear rather rapidly too. This is rosé with enough backbone to stay at the table long after the aperitivo is finished.

Cellaring: Drink now to 2031.