Italy - Tasca d’Almerita, one of Sicily’s preeminent wine families, began their adventure in Etna in 2007 with the purchase of two vineyards in the communes of Castiglione di Sicilia and Randazzo on the north face of the volcano. The northern exposure is a cool-climate area, due to the combination of elevation and less direct sun, which helps to retain acidity in the wines. The estate name, Tenuta Tascante, was formed by combining Tasca with Etna spelled backwards. Ghiaia Nera is Tenuta Tascante’s demonstration of the possibilities for Nerello Mascalese from black volcanic soils. The name means “black gravel,” which describes the volcanic soil of the vineyard Subtle aromas of orange peel, cherries, and dried flowers follow through to a medium body, fine tannins and a refined, subtle finish. Aged in 25hl oak cask for 12 months.