Tenuta Delle Terre Nere Etna Rosso Santo Spirito 2023

Santo Spirito is a single-contrada Etna Rosso from Tenuta delle Terre Nere, whose vineyards sit on the black volcanic soils of Mount Etna in Sicily, the estate named for that dark lava ground. The wine is made from the native Nerello Mascalese and Nerello Cappuccio, farmed on the volcano's steep northern slopes. Etna's decomposed lava, ash and mineral sands drain freely and give the wines their hallmark smoke and salinity, while high-altitude planting and a marked diurnal temperature range slow ripening, holding acidity and aromatic lift. The wine is aged eighteen months in separate containers, the slow maturation softening the grape's fine, firm tannins while keeping the fruit fresh. The colour is a translucent ruby. The nose is perfumed, with red cherry, redcurrant, rose petal and dried herbs over woodsmoke and wet stone. The palate is medium-bodied and linear, driven by bright acidity and taut, sandy tannins, closing on a saline, savoury note. Serve at 16 degrees in a wide glass. It suits game birds, mushrooms and roast poultry.