The 2008 Etna Rosso Feudo di Mezzo Il Quadro delle Rose is a somewhat severe, tannic wine. With time in the glass the inner perfume emerges from the tightly coiled frame. Sweet roses and red berries caress the palate as the wine finds its balance in the glass. The Quadro delle Rose will require patience, but it is a wine of great harmony and exceptional finesse. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2028.
Hard as it is to believe, proprietor Marc de Grazia continues to ratchet up the quality at Tenuta delle Terre Nere, his property on Mount Etna. Simply put, these are the most brilliant wines I have ever tasted from de Grazia. The 2008 reds will require patience, however. With one exception, the Don Peppino, the reds are 98% Nerello Mascalese and 2% Nerello Cappuccio and are aged in cask. My only regret is that I was not able to taste the Vigne Niche, the estate's top white.
A Marc de Grazia Selection, various American importers, including: de Grazia Imports; tel. (417) 732-4200; Michael Skurnik, Syosset, NY; (516) 677-9300, Estate Wines Ltd., San Rafael CA; (415) 492-9411, Robert Houde Wines, Bensenville IL; (630) 422-1119