Many grapes are made into raisins, used in local cooking, and Sicilian grapes also play a large role in creating dessert wines, which require a higher concentration of grapes and are consumed in smaller quantities. In fact, in the world of international wine, Sicily is renowned for the many outstanding dessert wines, such as the world-famous Marsala, Moscato di Pantelleria & Malvasia delle Lipari.
The traditional varieties cultivated on the island include: red grape varieties such as Nero d'Avola (today experiencing a significant renaissance in the market), Nerello Cappuccio and Mascalese, Carricante, Nocera, Perricone and Frappato; white grape varieties such as Catarratto, Grecanico, Grillo, Inzolia, Malvasia delle Lipari and Zibibbo or Moscato. In addition to the traditional varieties listed above, today there are numerous non-traditional varieties grown on the island which include: red varieties such as Cabernet-Sauvignon, Syrah, Pinot Noir, Petit Verdot, Sangiovese, Cabernet Franc and Merlot; white varieties such as Chardonnay, Viognier, Muller Thurgau and Sauvignon blanc.
Bordeaux-style wine
Lacroix is a Superior Bordeaux produced by the merger of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. It is an elegant, velvety and fruity wine with a ruby red color.
Among the crus of Tenuta delle Terre Nere, Guardiola is the one with the most powerful and original character. The high altitude of the vineyards, 800-1000 meters, and the consequent aridity of the soils exacerbate the acidity of the wine and accentuate its tannins. Therefore, it takes longer to relax and express itself.
Produced from high quality Carricante grapes, Tenuta delle Terre Nere's Etna Bianco “Vigne Niche” Calderara Sottana is a cru from old and young vines. It is a wine of great complexity and longevity.
Etna Bianco by Tenuta delle Terre Nere is a Sicilian white wine born from the assembly of 5 Sicilian native vines: Carricante in prevalence, Catarratto, Inzolia, Grecanico and Minnella. All from old vines. A perfect, delicious and versatile wine.
Calderara Sottana is a single vineyard wine produced only from vineyards between 50-100 years old. Of all our single vineyard wines it is perhaps the most complete: much like a wide angle lens encompasses the most ample panorama, so Calderara seems to contain and display the widest spectrum of flavors, bouquets, nuances.
Etna Bianco DOC Superiore of Tenuta delle Terre Nere is produced from Carricante grapes in Milo, a territory suitable for the production of Superiori whites thanks to the perfect combination of altitude, climate and exposure to the sun. It is a sharp, slender, austere and aristocratic wine.
Pezat Blanc is a dry white Bordeaux produced from Sauvignon Blanc grapes with the addition of Muscadelle which gives it an exotic note. It is a fresh and fruity wine with a refreshing finish.
Feudo di Mezzo is the largest cru in the appellation, a homogenous character, but with clear qualitative variations – much like one could say of Clos de Vougeot in Burgundy. From the best parcels – such as our “Quadro delle Rose” - it betrays a dusky character, autumnal tones in its cedary-spicy bouquet.
Les Asteries was the first of Saint-Emilion's micro-cuvée wines and is produced from eighty-year-old vines that survived the devastating frost of 1956.
Chateau Teyssier is one of the best selling Grand Crus Saint Emilion. Produced from Merlot and Cabernet Franc grapes and aged in French oak, it is a rich, velvety and spicy wine.