94pts Vinous Media
Drinking Window 2026 - 2034
The 2023 Etna Rosso Santo Spirito is moody in the glass. Dusty rose aromas combine with notes of pine and wild berries, all complicated by a hint of cocoa. Soothingly round and pliant, it splashes across the palate with an array of ripe red and blue fruits guided by vibrant acidity. A saturation of fine tannins emerges through the finish as this tapers off with amazing length and potency, leaving an air of lavender pastille to linger on. The 2023 is a gorgeous interpretation of Santo Spirito. - By Eric Guido on May 2025

Leave it to Marco de Grazia of Tenuta delle Terre Nere to take what many consider a difficult, lower-quality vintage and turn out a lineup of wines that exceeded expectations—and left this taster in awe. Interestingly, when I asked many producers how they adapted their winemaking in a challenging year like 2023, the most common answer was: “We didn’t change anything.” That’s a disappointing reality at many estates, but not here. De Grazia described 2023 as the most difficult vintage he’s experienced on Etna. Spring rains totaling around 400 millimeters triggered a devastating outbreak of downy mildew, cutting yields by up to 70% on the northern slopes. The eastern side was largely spared, which helps explain the strength of Terre Nere’s whites. The wet spring gave way to a hot, drought-stricken summer, leading to thicker skins and uneven ripening, as many vines shut down under hydric stress. Fortunately, light rains in September and ideal conditions through October helped save the harvest. The team responded with intense selection in both vineyard and cellar, followed by shorter macerations and minimal pumpovers. The resulting 2023s in bottle are some of the most exotic, finessed and elegant wines Terre Nere has ever produced. They deliver immense pleasure, but in some cases, such as the San Lorenzo, they reach a new level of depth and texture.

The Contrada borders with the steep, bumpy and lean Contrada Guardiola: adjacent to its northern limit, and lower in altitude, it follows the descent of the hill towards Alcantara.

Although adjacent, they could not be more different from each other.
A place of extraordinary beauty, Santo Spirito, with large and serene terraces that flow gently downstream. Deep and rich soils that flaunt sumptuous grass, vigorous vines that display their nourished abundance.

Santo Spirito wines are sensual and succulent, always seductive, with an almost fleshy bouquet and a rich and enveloping palate. But always pure and balanced. Very refined, yes, but also delicate. At the same time generous and vulnerable. Sophisticated Lady by Duke Ellington can give you a musical image. Velvety, noble poultry, pork loin, escalopes with Marsala.

Appellation: Etna Rosso D.O.C.
Production area: Municipality of Castiglione di Sicilia.
Grapes: Nerello Mascalese.
Vineyard extension: 7 hectares.
Production: 6 tons per hectare.
Terrain: volcanic, deep soils, almost exclusively ash.
Exposure: north side of Etna at 700-850 meters above sea level
Age of the vines: from 60 to 100 years.
Annual production: 9,000 bottles