Expert Wine Picks: 2007 Etna Rosso by Tenuta delle Terre Nere

The Chief Sommelier of the Mandarin Oriental picks this week’s wine.

Pierre Legrandois‘ Wine Pick Of The Week is the 2007 Etna Rosso by Tenuta delle Terre Nere.

Pierre is the Chief Sommelier at the Mandarin Oriental Group, responsible for selecting all wine served at the hotel and restaurants.  The 2007 Etna Rosso is produced by Tenuta delle Terre Nere, a young estate owned by wine aficianado Marco de Grazia who produced their first vintage in 2002.

The vineyard produces only one vine variety on their estate in Nerello Mascalese, which is indigenous to Sicily. The old bush vines; the majority of which are pre-Phylloxera; are planted on the rocky and sandy volcanic soils on the north side of Mount Etna at 900 metres above sea level.  The Etna Rosso is a regal style wine aged in 20% new French oak barrels for 18 months. It demonstrates a purity and finesse of fruit reminiscent of good red Burgundy.

This wine shows what “terroir” is all about – the marriage between the soil, climate and grape variety all perfectly matched together and, as a result, Tenuta della Terre Nere expresses a rare personality that matches some of the best domains in Burgundy.

Tasting Notes

• The 2007 Etna Rosso is a wonderful discovery, lush and easy drinking with hints of dark cherry, tobacco and fine herbs. It has an earthiness and texture reminiscent of Burgundy.

Food Pairing

• Veal chops in breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese cooked with a tasty tomato and herb sauce.

Wine Stats:

• Name + year: Tenuta delle Terre Nere 2007
• Appellation: Etna Rosso
• Type of wine/ varietal: Nerello Mascalese
• Alcohol content: 13.5%
• Price: HK$288

Wine Expert Rating

• 4 Stars

5 star= outstanding, 4 stars =worthy, 3 stars = satisfactory, 2 stars = drinkable, 1 star = avoid

Where to buy?

• Call Suki at Wine Culture
• Address: 16th Floor Wyndham Place, 40-44 Wyndham Street, Central, Hong Kong
  Tel: 2810 1186