Description
What kind of wine it is
Ghiaia Nera by Tenuta Tascante is an Etna Rosso that faithfully reflects the volcanic character of Sicily. Made from Nerello Mascalese grapes, it stands out for its pale, bright ruby red colour. The bouquet offers vibrant intensity, where fresh wisteria notes blend with delicate hints of wild berries. Aged in large oak barrels, on the palate it presents a medium body, lively acidity and soft tannins, making it ideal to accompany meats, cured meats, cheeses and flavourful traditional dishes.
Where it comes from
The vineyards are located on the northern slope of Etna, spread across the districts of Sciaranuova, Piano Dario and Rampante. The vines grow at around six hundred metres above sea level, cultivated on terraces of volcanic sediments surrounded by chestnut and holm oak woods. This position ensures ideal exposure for balanced ripening of the grapes, aided by a climate characterised by wet winters and dry summers. Tasca d’Almerita’s agronomic approach follows the principles of sustainable viticulture, as evidenced by its B Corp certification, with the utmost attention paid to safeguarding the biodiversity of the Etna area.
How it is produced
After the harvest, which takes place between late September and late October, the winemaking process involves red fermentation at a controlled temperature, with about eight days of skin maceration to extract colour and aromas while preserving harmony. This is followed by complete malolactic fermentation, essential for refining the acidic component and integrating the phenolic profile. The wine then matures for twelve months in large Slavonian oak barrels, a choice that enhances the natural elegance of the variety. The result is a lively and precise glass, characterised by a perfect balance between structure and freshness, with great stylistic purity.
History and Curiosities
Born on the northern slope of the volcano as part of the Tenuta Tascante project, Ghiaia Nera expresses the true vocation of Nerello Mascalese cultivated on majestic terraces of volcanic sediments. Surrounded by lush chestnut and holm oak woods, these young vineyards thrive in an ecosystem rich in biodiversity, protected by rigorous environmental sustainability standards certified by B Corp. The 2024 vintage, characterised by an early ripening of the grapes, has forged a wine with a strong identity that celebrates the charm and elegance of this unique volcanic terroir.
Tasting notes
Perfume
Color
Taste
Serve at:
16 - 18 °C
Longevity:
10 - 15 years
Decanting time:
1 hour
- Start up year: 1830
- Oenologist: Laura Orsi
- Hectares: 697
The Tasca family is internationally recognized for its pioneering role in modern Sicilian winemaking. Since 2001, Tasca d’Almerita has pursued a project focused on enhancing native grape varieties in the island’s most vocated territories. Alongside Regaleali—the historic estate spanning approximately 500 hectares—new estates have been added: Capofaro on the island of Salina, Tascante on the northern slopes of Mount Etna, Whitaker on the island of Mozia, and Sallier de La Tour in the Monreale DOC.
In 2019, Tasca d’Almerita was named "European Winery of the Year" by Wine Enthusiast magazine. In 2021, it became one of only 24 wineries worldwide to be awarded the prestigious "Green Emblem" for sustainability by Robert Parker – Wine Advocate. Since March 2023, already a Benefit Corporation, it has earned the esteemed international B Corp certification, joining a select group of companies committed to the highest standards of social and environmental sustainability. In 2025, Tasca d’Almerita received the "Historic Brand" recognition and was officially registered in the Special Register of Historic Brands of National Interest by the Italian Ministry of Enterprises and Made in Italy. Read more
| Name | Tenuta Tascante Etna Rosso Ghiaia Nera 2024 |
|---|---|
| Type | Red green still |
| Denomination | Etna DOC |
| Vintage | 2024 |
| Size | 0,75 l |
| Alcohol content | 14.5% by volume |
| Grape varieties | 100% Nerello Mascalese |
| Country | Italy |
| Region | Sicily |
| Vendor | Tasca d'Almerita |
| Story | History and Curiosities Born on the northern slope of the volcano as part of the Tenuta Tascante project, Ghiaia Nera expresses the true vocation of Nerello Mascalese cultivated on majestic terraces of volcanic sediments. Surrounded by lush chestnut and holm oak woods, these young vineyards thrive in an ecosystem rich in biodiversity, protected by rigorous environmental sustainability standards certified by B Corp. The 2024 vintage, characterised by an early ripening of the grapes, has forged a wine with a strong identity that celebrates the charm and elegance of this unique volcanic terroir. |
| Origin | Northern slope of Mount Etna (Sicily), between the districts of Sciaranuova, Piano Dario and Rampante, area of Randazzo and Castiglione di Sicilia (Catania) |
| Climate | Rainy winter, warm spring; cool and dry summer. Temperature variations below average during grape ripening. |
| Soil composition | Terraces on volcanic sediments |
| Cultivation system | Spurred cordon; espalier |
| Plants per hectare | 4500 |
| Yield per hectare | On average 5,000 kilograms/hectare |
| Harvest | From late September to late October |
| Fermentation temperature | 25–30 °C |
| Fermentation | 8 days |
| Production technique | Traditional red fermentation with maceration; complete malolactic fermentation; ageing for 12 months in large Slavonian oak barrels |
| Wine making | Traditional red fermentation with maceration for about 8 days at a controlled temperature (25–30 °C); complete malolactic fermentation; aged for 12 months in large Slavonian oak barrels. |
| Aging | 12 months in large Slavonian oak barrels |
| Total acidity | 5.02 gr/L |
| PH | 3.56 |
| Residual sugar | 0.1 gr/L |
| Dry extract | 28.8 gr/L |
| Allergens | Contains sulphites |

