The 2010 Etna Bianco is gorgeous in this vintage. It flows onto the palate with layers of pointed, mineral-infused fruit, showing fabulous balance and a cool, steely personality that offers considerable potential. The Bianco is 50% Carricante, 25% Catarratto, 15% Grecanico and 10% Inzolia from vineyards planted in the late 1940s. Anticipated maturity: 2011-2016.
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