Frescobaldi and Marco De Grazia Join Forces to Elevate Wines from Sicily’s Mount Etna

Tuscan wine dynasty Marchesi de’ Frescobaldi has acquired a minority stake in the esteemed Mount Etna estate Tenute delle Terre Nere located in Sicily. In a brief statement, Frescobaldi announced, “Marco De Grazia and Lamberto Frescobaldi come together once again to reflect on how to carry forward the beautiful project Marco began back in 2002.” While details regarding the financial terms of the deal were kept undisclosed, the statement emphasized the project built on friendship, experience, and an ongoing commitment to excellence.

De Grazia, who will maintain managerial control over the estate, indicated that “nothing is going to change” within the operational structure. This collaboration aims to embody a shared vision for high-quality winemaking. "It’s a partnership driven by a passion for achieving finer goals and crafting superb wines,” he expressed.

Lamberto Frescobaldi, representing the 30th generation of winemaking in his family, reminisced about his long-standing friendship with De Grazia. Their relationship dates back to De Grazia’s influential role as an American wine importer who introduced several notable winemakers from the Langhe region to the North American market.

De Grazia initially made a mark by acquiring vineyards on Mount Etna, later selling his Marc De Grazia Selections import business to his brother. His leadership at Tenute delle Terre Nere has been pivotal in the renaissance of Etna’s wine quality, especially known for old vines from single vineyards, including the exceptional Etna Prephylloxera La Vigna di Don Peppino Calderara Sottana Vecchie Vigne (2022, 95 points, $225). The estate sits on over 120 acres of vineyards with volcanic soils, and has achieved more than 120 wines with scores of 90 points or higher in blind tastings conducted by Wine Spectator.

Interest from other Italian producers, like Angelo Gaja who formed a joint venture in 2017, reflects the growing recognition of Mount Etna’s wine potential.

Frescobaldi’s acquisition of the stake in Tenute delle Terre Nere marks its third strategic investment outside Tuscany, joining earlier ventures in Friuli-Venezia-Giulia and Oregon.

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