Terrazze dell Etna

Terrazze dell'Etna is a Sicilian producer founded in 2008 by engineer Antonio Bevilacqua, now run by his daughter Alessia. They farm 40 hectares of owned vineyards plus 20 rented, all positioned between 600 and 950 metres on Mt. Etna's northwest slope. What sets them apart is their commitment to the traditional terraced vineyards that define the estate's identity, combined with consultant oenologist Roberto Muccifori's technique for achieving fresh intensity in every bottle.

About Terrazze dell Etna

The estate's position on Mt. Etna's volcanic slopes creates ideal conditions for winemaking: warm days and cool nights ensure ripe fruit, while the black volcanic soil naturally restricts vine vigour, forcing the plant to work harder and concentrate flavour. This combination produces wines of remarkable intensity and perfume from naturally low-yielding vines. Terrazze dell'Etna specialises in Nerello Mascalese, the signature red grape of Etna. This variety responds to the high altitude and volcanic terroir by developing pale to medium ruby hues alongside high-intensity aromas of red cherry and violet interwoven with herbal earth undertones, bright acidity and medium to high tannins. The estate also plants Nerello Capuccio to soften Mascalese's robust tannin structure, creating more approachable blends. Winemaking philosophy centres on restraint and respect for place. Their 'Ciuri' vinifies Nerello Mascalese without skin contact—a white wine made from a red grape—offering depth and intensity in an unoaked style. The young 'Carusu' Etna Rosso (80% Mascalese, 20% Capuccio) is aged in pre-owned 500-litre barrels for half a year before spending twelve months in bottle, balancing fruit freshness with mineral definition. Their premium 'Cirneco', made entirely from Nerello Mascalese, receives careful oak ageing that adds texture without overwhelming the delicate yet dynamic fruit character. All wines benefit from Muccifori's tuning of extraction and fermentation to unlock freshness that few Etna producers achieve.

Terrazze dell Etna Wines in Our Collection

The 2019 Cirneco Etna Rosso (92 points, Falstaff) is the estate's premium offering: pure Nerello Mascalese with scent, freshness and textured palate from intelligent oak handling. This is the wine to buy when you want serious Etna red that will age and evolve. The 2022 Carusu Etna Rosso (90–94 points across multiple critics including James Suckling 93, VertdeVin 94) is the entry point to the estate's style: vibrant, mineral, with that distinctive Etna length on the finish. It's ready to drink now but will develop over three to five years. This is your everyday bottle from a serious producer. For something different, the 2024 Ciuri Bianco (87 points, Jancis Robinson) is Nerello Mascalese vinified in white—unoaked, showing great depth and intensity. It pairs naturally with seafood and lighter dishes where you want grip without heavy tannins. The 2024 Cinniri Etna Bianco (91 points, Falstaff) blends Carricante and Catarratto, Etna's traditional white grapes. Carricante thrives at high altitude where it develops exceptional acidity and mineral character. This wine bridges the gap between the house's red-wine focus and Sicily's white wine tradition.

Food Pairing

Terrazze dell'Etna's reds—especially Carusu and Cirneco—excel with roasted meats, game, and herb-dressed pasta dishes. The high acidity and herbal earth notes in Nerello Mascalese cut through rich sauces. The Ciuri white works beautifully with grilled fish, shellfish risotto, and lighter pasta with olive oil and fresh herbs. The Cinniri Bianco pairs well with seafood antipasti and fresh cheese.

What makes Mt. Etna volcanic soil special for wine?

Etna's black volcanic soils create naturally low vine vigour, forcing roots deeper and concentrating flavour. Combined with warm days and cool nights at 600–950m altitude, this produces high-acidity wines with intense red cherry and violet aromas and medium to high tannins.

Should I buy Carusu or Cirneco?

Carusu (90–94 pts) is the approachable young wine, ready now with vibrant fruit and mineral length—buy this for regular drinking. Cirneco (92 pts) is pure Nerello Mascalese with more texture and ageing potential—buy this if you want complexity and plan to cellar it.

What is Ciuri and why make white wine from a red grape?

Ciuri is Nerello Mascalese vinified without skin contact, creating white wine from red fruit. This unoaked style delivers depth and intensity while showcasing the grape's mineral character, offering versatility for seafood pairings.

Who makes Terrazze dell'Etna wines?

Engineer Antonio Bevilacqua founded the estate in 2008 on Mt. Etna's northwest slope in Sicily. His daughter Alessia now runs it, working with consultant oenologist Roberto Muccifori.

What style of wine does Terrazze dell'Etna make?

They specialise in Nerello Mascalese reds and whites from volcanic terroir. The 2019 Cirneco scored 92 points—pure, textured Etna with oak finesse. Expect savoury, mineral wines with bright acidity.

How much does Terrazze dell'Etna wine cost?

Prices range between £20.65 and £29. Entry-level reds start at £24.15; whites from £20.65; premium bottlings reach £29.