Tenuta delle Terre Nere's Calderara Sottana is a step up from their entry-level Etna Bianco — a single-vineyard Cru from one of the most prized contrade on the north face of Mount Etna. The Calderara Sottana site sits at 600–650 metres above sea level in the municipality of Randazzo, on soils that are extraordinarily stony and volcanic — a dense mix of black pumice, basalt, and sand sitting on some of the oldest surface geology in the entire Etna appellation.

The wine is 100% Carricante from vines up to 30 years old, soft pressed and fermented at low temperature in French oak, then aged nine months in barriques before bottling unfined and unfiltered. Annual production is just 6,000 bottles.

In the glass, it is rich and aromatic — hazelnut, almond custard, yellow flowers, and dried apricot on the nose, with a palate of salty minerals, tart orchard fruit, and bright citrus. The finish is long, with lemon peel and minty herbs. Complex, textural, and structured for the cellar, but drinking beautifully now.

• Varietals: Carricante
• Region: Sicily, Italy
• Appellation: Etna DOC
• Vintage: 2023
• ABV: 13% 
• Size: 750ml