Bella-Colonna

Bella-Colonna wines are made by Marco de Grazia, one of Etna's pioneering figures who shaped the modern denomination. After establishing Tenuta delle Terre Nere in 2002, de Grazia retained ownership of vineyard parcels around the Calderara Sottana contrada on Etna's northern slopes—now the heart of the Bella-Colonna range. These vineyards sit at elevations up to 900 metres on volcanic soils, many planted with old bush-trained vines 50–100 years old. The wines are built to show site character: freshness, elegance, and the distinctive mineral fingerprint of each contrada. If you're looking for serious, site-driven Nerello Mascalese that rewards careful drinking, Bella-Colonna wines offer genuine depth at a fair price.

About Bella-Colonna

Marco de Grazia's vision for Bella-Colonna centres on expressing the individuality of each vineyard parcel through careful management and winemaking tailored to the soil. The three crus we stock come from distinct locations on Etna's north face: Pignatuni (650m, stony black volcanic rock), Calderara Sottana (600–650m, black pumice and solid rock—among Etna's stoniest sites), and San Lorenzo (800–900m, deep volcanic soil with ash, the appellation's coolest zone). All fruit is 100% Nerello Mascalese, fermented at controlled temperatures, and aged for 14 months in French oak barriques and tonneaux before a month in steel. The 2024 vintage benefited from cool harvest conditions and excellent phenolic ripeness despite a warm, dry growing season. All wines are certified organic, sustainable, vegan, and sealed with natural cork.

Bella-Colonna Wines in Our Collection

Start with the 2024 Etna Rosso Pignatuni (£49.40)—the entry point to de Grazia's vision. Vivid ruby, ripe fruit and sweet spice on the nose, firm tannins and a long finish. The 2024 Etna Rosso Calderara Sottana (£61.90) shows pale ruby with mahogany hints; it's the most structured of the three, full-bodied and complex from that stony terroir. Finally, the 2024 Etna Rosso San Lorenzo (£61.90) is the highest site (800–900m), deeper ruby, smooth tannins, ripe fruit and spice—a wine with lift and elegance from the cool altitude. All three are drinking well now but have the acidity and tannin grip to age 5–8 years.

Food Pairing

Nerello Mascalese's acidity and savoury tannin structure suit game, cured meats, and tomato-based pasta. Pair Pignatuni with roast chicken or prosciutto; Calderara Sottana with duck confit or beef ragu; San Lorenzo with venison or aged hard cheeses. All three work beautifully with mushroom risotto, grilled lamb, and Sicilian caponata.

Who makes Bella-Colonna wines?

Marco de Grazia, a pioneer of modern Etna wine. After founding Tenuta delle Terre Nere in 2002, he retained vineyard parcels on Etna's northern slopes around Calderara Sottana, which now form Bella-Colonna.

What style are these wines?

100% Nerello Mascalese Etna Rossos, aged 14 months in French oak. Fresh, elegant, mineral-driven reds with firm tannins, ripe fruit, and spice—site-specific expressions of volcanic terroir.

How much do Bella-Colonna wines cost?

£49–62 per bottle. Pignatuni is £49.40; Calderara Sottana and San Lorenzo are both £61.90.