Sicily, Italy
Our Producers
Ciro Biondi, Etna, Sicily
With vineyards on the south-east slope of the volcano, the Biondi family, with a history dating back to the 1600’s, was modernised in 1999 with Cirino Biondi’s grandson Ciro and his wife Stephanie taking over the management and production of the vineyards. They have successfully restored the family’s six hectares focusing on producing high-quality wine near Trecastagni, a unique volcanic terroir utilising indigenous grapes of Etna. The reputation of Etna wines is evolving, and Biondi’s contributions stand out, placing them in the top tier of producers. The difference between the north and south sides of Etna is distinct. While northern wines more widely known due to established producers, the historical superiority of the south side is re-emerging due changes in modernisation and management. Both styles have their merits, but over time, it is expected that Etna’s wines will emerge as break-out wines from both sides of the mountain. Biondi’s wines belong to this elite category, showing continuous improvement each year.
Tenuta delle Terre Nere, Etna, Sicily
Tenuta delle Terre Nere is the fruit of over 30 years of passion and work in the world of fine wine. And an extraordinary location, as well – this “island within an island” that is the Etna. A place where nature is prodigal but also severe. With respect, care and hard farm work, always in organic balance. The estate’s philosophy is simple. Given an extreme climate, in order to obtain the best and most consistent ripening, our attention must focus on vineyard management. The finest workmanship in all aspects of viticulture is the first thing that sets them apart. And what enables then, bringing home exceptionally fine grapes, not to be invasive in their cellar work.A work best described as aimed above all at expressing the character of their varieties in their specific terroir. A great team, a delicate hand and a heightened sensibility, as well. All of their wines are produced from local varieties, always in organic balance (100% organic wines), and all are D.O.C.
All properties of Tenuta delle Terre Nere have been cultivated organically from the very beginning in 2002. And the vineyards first acquired had been managed organically for two generations of the previous owners. In 2009 a solar panel unit was designed and built to deliver renewable energy sufficient for 80% of their needs. The unit was complemented in 2010 by a furnace fueled with the cuttings from the yearly pruning on 1600 olive trees and maintenance pruning of other hundreds of trees on the properties. In 2010 they were certified organic, a request made mostly in order to satisfy many of our customer’s demands. Fertilization: all organic, mostly manure or manure based. Practice of “green manure”, growing leguminous plants (beans, lentils, chich peas, etc.) rich in nitrogen between alternate rows, turning them over and folding them into the soil.
Ciro Biondi, Etna, Sicily
Outis Etna D.O.C Rosso 2022 75cl -$65
Outis Etna D.O.C Bianco 2022 75cl -$65
Cisterna Fuori Etna D.O.C Rosso 2019 75cl -$105
San Nicolo’ Etna D.O.C Rosso 2022 75cl -$105
Pianta Etna D.O.C Bianco 2020 75cl -$105
Tenuta delle Terre Nere, Etna, Sicily
“Feudo di Mezzo” Etna Rosso DOC, 2016/2019/2020 75cl – $98 ex GST
“Santo Spirito” Etna Rosso DOC, 2016 75cl – $98 ex GST
“Moganazzi” Etna Rosso DOC, 2017/2019 75cl – $108 ex GST
“Calderara Sottana” Etna Rosso DOC, 2013 75cl – $118 ex GST
“Prephylloxera” Etna Rosso DOC, 2017 75cl – $218 ex GST
Etna Bianco DOC, 2021 75cl – $60 ex GST