2006 Tenuta delle Terre Nere Etna Rosso
The most basic of Tenuta delle Terre reds from grapes grown on the cool slopes of Mt. Etna in Sicily, the 2006 Etna Rosso is a wonderful discovery. Lush and easy drinking, with hints of dark cherries, tobacco and wild herbs, it has an earthiness and texture reminiscent of Burgundy. Everything grown at this high altitude with its changeable weather is hard-won, and Marc de Grazia, one of the most important exporters and champions of Italian wines in the last two decades, brings everything he knows about winemaking to this very personal project.
A great buy for the price, the 2006 is terrific with anything grilled, roast leg of lamb and braised Asian dishes.
Keep an eye out too for De Grazia’s single vineyard wines. They’re pricier but still great value for the quality and uniqueness.
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Quick swirl
Region: Sicily
Price: About $16
Style: Easy drinking
Food it goes with: Grilled meats and sausages, roast lamb, Peking duck
Where you find it: Larchmont Village Wine, Spirits & Cheese in Los Angeles, (323) 856-8699; Sepulveda Wine Co. in Manhattan Beach, (310) 318-9080; Silver Lake Wine in Los Angeles, (323) 662-9024 www.silverlake wine.com; Wine Exchange in Orange, (714) 974-1454 and (800) 769-4639, www.winex.com; and the Wine House in West Los Angeles, (310) 479-3731, www.winehouse .com.