Volcanic Wines: How Hard-Won Grapes From Mount Etna and Tenerife Produce High-Drama Bottles With a Sense of Place

Volcanic wines are having a moment, and for good reason. Grown on soils formed from ash, basalt, pumice, and other volcanic materials, these wines come from some of the world’s most dramatic vineyard sites, including Mount Etna in Sicily and Tenerife in the Canary Islands. The struggle of vines on such challenging terrain yields grapes with intense character, and importers like Nic Rizzi of Modal Wines note that these wines often possess an 'extra tension' that sets them apart. While not a single style, volcanic wines share a common thread: a profound sense of place. A nerello mascalese from Etna’s north side, for example, is deep and rich, while a listán negro from Tenerife is light and leathery. Yet both reflect their volcanic origins. For drinkers seeking wines with a story of struggle and reward, volcanic bottles deliver high drama in every glass.