Sicily's famously active volcano is now a hot spot for world-class wine.     

For over a century, vines have been planted on the slopes of Mt. Etna, creating some of the highest altitude vineyards in the world. In recent years, pioneering winemakers such as Marc de Grazia of Terre Nere have uncovered the true potential of these volcanic vineyards -- so far, the results are nothing short of amazing!

Why would a volcano produce high-caliber wine? From a wine perspective, Mt. Etna has a lot going for it -- high altitude climate, rocky volcanic soils, long-growing season, day/night temperature extremes, and other "difficult" conditions that lend depth and complexity to wine. Further, the wines are produced  primarily from a local grape variety, Nerello Mascalese, which behaves and tastes remarkably like top Pinot Noir and Nebbiolo!  This rare combination of circumstances -- and the very convincing examples produced by Marc de Grazia at Terre Nere -- has the wine world erupting with excitement at the potential discovery of a new world-class wine region.  

The best of the Terre Nere wines possess a distinctive character and refinement that merit inclusion into the top echelon of wines. Can Sicily -- the former bulk wine capital of Italy -- accomplish what has so far eluded all the New World efforts in South America, Australia and New Zealand?  

It's pretty exciting stuff. We encourage you to try these new TENUTA delle TERRE NERE wines and celebrate the wines of Mt. Etna and the discovery of one more place where truly great wines can be made!

2010 TERRE NERE Mt. Etna "Calderera" $45

98% Nerello Mascalese and 2% Nerello Cappuccio aged in cask. "There is an energy and vibrancy to the Calderara Sottana that I find incredibly appealing. The bright red fruit recalls a Barbaresco from the Ovello vineyard." --WA 

2010 TERRE NERE Mt. Etna Feudo Mezzo $45

Nerello Mascalese and Cappuccio. The soil in Feudo Mezzo is a blend of volcanic ash and volcanic sand, quite unusual in this area. The vines' average age is around 60-80 years old.

2010 TERRE NERE Mt. Etna Rosso Guardiola $45 (1.5L $90)  

The Guardiola Cru is 2.1 ha of 60-80 year old vines, combined with vines newly planted n 2005. Vineyards are steep and terraced, which means they have to be worked by hand. At 800-900 meters above sea level on the north side of Mount Etna, the Guardiola vineyard is the highest red-wine producing vineyard in all of Europe!  (Characterized as "huge, powerful wine, stunning richness, impeccable long finish," the 2008 was the last reviewed vintage and scored 95 pts- WA.) 

2010 TERRE NERE Mt. Etna Rosso Santo Spirito $45  

Top Wine: 

2010 TERRE NERE Mt. Etna Rosso Pre-phylloxera "Don Peppino" $85    Don Peppino is made from old vines in Calderara and Santo Spirito that date back to 1870. It is the only red that is made from 100% Nerello Mascalese and that is aged in French oak. Previous reviewed vintages received 97 pts. (2008) and 94 pts. (2007). 2009 and 2010 not yet reviewed by WA.    

CALL, EMAIL, or COME IN to purchase your selections -- TERRE NERE wines are in!  Call Eric 978-369-2545 or email eric@vintagesonline.com. 

KEN WRIGHT Oregon Pinot Noir  

ORDER a SIX-PACK of 2010 KEN WRIGHT Pinot Noir -- get 25% off!

Reg. $60; Special $45.90 (25% off pre-paid orders) 

Volcanic soil does wonders for wine, and it's not about a smoky, charred quality. Oregon wine icon KEN WRIGHT, known for exploring Willamette Valley terroir through his single-vineyard bottlings of pinot noir, farms several vineyards with significant levels of volcanic soil. VINTAGES is offering the following Ken Wright reds for a Volcanic Vineyards Special -- 25% off the reg. $60 price.

2010 KEN WRIGHT Oregon Pinot Noir "Carter" Reg. $60; Spec. $45.90

The Carter pinot noir can be a bit firm in its youth, but evolves beautifully after a few years in bottle to show voluptuous, dark fruits and fresh, earthy aromas.  

2010 KEN WRIGHT Oregon Pinot Noir "Canary Hill" Reg. $60; Spec. $45.90

Wine from Canary Hill is typically very forward, with aromas of Asian spices, black cherry and cola. Mouth-filling dark fruit balanced with freshness on the finish. 

From the Dundee Hills AVA, one of the original vineyard areas in the region. Red and black berries on the nose lead to generous fruit, with textural interest and pronounced elegance.  

2010 KEN WRIGHT Oregon Pinot Noir "Meredith Mitchell" Reg. $60; Spec. $45.90

These hillside vineyards along the coast consistently produce smaller clusters and berries. The resulting fruit is more concentrated and firmer, and makes a very distinctive pinot noir that is intensely flavored and beautifully structured.  

SPECIAL OFFER EXTENDS TO PRE-PAID ORDERS PLACED THROUGH JULY 31, 2012. 

Contact Eric at 978-369-2545 or eric@vintagesonline.com.