Marco de Grazia, the famous owner of Tenuta delle Terre Nere, founded Le Vigne di Eli in 2006 and dedicated it to his little girl, Elena, who designs the labels for each edition
The small property is located on the northern slope of Mount Etna and, as Marco says:
“It was born effortlessly. A simple gesture of love for my little girl, Elena (Eli). It happened in 2006. I was offered to buy two small vineyards, from two exceptional areas: Feudo di Mezzo and Moganazzi-Voltasciara. I bought them and because they were so small and delicate, they reminded me of Eli. This is how Le Vigne di Eli was born. The idea to use Elena’s drawings on labels came naturally, because I like them very much. Equally natural came the idea that this vineyard dedicated to a child should help children in need. And so, a substantial part of the proceeds from here go to the Meyer Pediatric Hospital in Florence.
Over time, seeing the appreciation that Eli’s beautiful wines enjoy, we selected a few plots of exceptional quality that we rented to produce other beautiful wines. Among them, a wonderful Etna Bianco, from a vineyard in Milo. I am sure that in the future I will be tempted by other rare plots.”
The weather on the slopes of Europe’s largest and very much active volcano is unique in Sicily’s panorama. The elevated altitudes dedicated to viticulture start at 400 metres above sea level, sometimes reaching above 1,000 metres.
These heights are characterized by temperature ranges between day and night that often register up to 30 degrees Celsius. Equally remarkable are the volcanic soil dynamics, created by lava flows, each flow a complex mineral entity in its own right.
Apply all the above to that “belt” that is Etna D.O.C., with a volcanic circumference of about 120 square kilometers and exposure that range from full south to full north and everything in between. Then weave into the tapestry an average rainfall six to ten times that of the Sicilian norm, a relevant part of which occurs during by far the latest harvest in Sicily, and, indeed, one of the latest in Europe.
2019 Etna Rosso
98% Nerello Mascalese 2% Nerello Cappuccio
“Very juicy and pretty.”
94 Points – James Suckling
“A wine that strums my heartstrings…”
17.5/20 – Jancisrobinson.com
2021 Etna Bianco
Floral aromas, reminiscent of linden blooms.
The flavours are fresh and salty with a mineral essence.
Food matches: light pasta dishes, fish, white meats.
“Quite an ashy, sulfurous nose to the limey green-apple fruit. Light and mineral with brisk acidity that cuts it through to a tangy, mouthwatering finish.”
92 Points – James Suckling
2019 Etna Rosso
‘Calderara Sottana’
100% Nerello Mascalese
Black cherries, strawberries, with hints of chocolate and mint on the nose. Supple and broad palate, with some tannic grip. A clean and pleasant finish.
2020 Etna Rosso
“Attractive white pepper, goji berry, grapefruit and cranberry with some lovely dried-herb savouriness on the nose, following through to a tight, minerally and transparent palate that’s full of verve and texture. Lots of bite, but it remains ethereal and tangy, with refined austerity.”
94 Points – James Suckling
2020 Etna Rosso
‘Moganazzi-Volte Sciara’
100% Nerello Mascalese
Aromas of intense, complex black fruits, richly floral.
Palate: Ample, velvety and of creamy persistence, spicy.
Food matches: meat, seasoned cheese
2020 Etna Rosso
‘Calderara Sottana’
A penetrating bouquet of rich ripe fruit and spice.
Structured, full and complex on the palate with rich tannic feel.
Food matches: meat, seasoned cheese.
These are truly fine wines that showcase the freshness, delicacy, and complexity that inspire the best Etna wines to be compared to the great Pinot Noir and Nebbiolo producers of the world. Like the wines of Terre Nere, the wines of Le Vigne di Eli are produced from organically farmed vineyards and fermented without inoculations.