Tenuta delle Terre Nere, 'Guardiola' Rosso Etna, Sicily, Italy, 2023

Overview of the Wine
The estate is located on the northern slopes of Etna, within the hilly belt that extends between Solicchiata and Randazzo, historically the area historically recognized as the finest in the appellation for fine red wines. The estate consists of approximately 45 hectares divided into 30 plots and in nine Contradas (crus).

The soils differ very much from cru to cru, and even within the crus themselves. The same is true of the altitudes, our vineyards ranging between 600 and 1000 metres above sea level.
With the exception of about 7 recently planted hectares, the rest are between 50 and 100 years old. Less than one hectare has reached the venerable age of over 140 years, surviving the phylloxera, and is therefore ungrafted.

Phylloxera officially arrived on Etna in 1881 and destroyed a large number of vines: the volcanic soil, however, thanks to the large presence of silicon, has favored the conservation of many vines but very few vineyards which, in order to be defined prephylloxeric, must be necessarily older than 140 years (as of 2021). We are fortunate to have less than one hectare, located in the Contrada di Calderara Sottana, with such a venerable age, which has come down to us through three centuries of history. A vineyard capable of expressing a unique wine that somehow conveys the quintessence of Nerello and its location. Its second name – La Vigna di Don Peppino – is a tribute to the farmer who made it possible, cultivating it with infinite affection and competence for almost 70 years: it’s only thanks to him that the vineyard reached us healthy and vigorous in all its splendor.

Winemakers
Nunzio Catania and Claudio di Primo

Grape / Blend
100% Nerello mascalese

Origin
Mount Etna, Sicily, Italy

Winemaker's Tasting Notes
Colour is a pale ruby with orange hues. Nose is complex, with a balsamic note reminiscent of Mediterranean wild herbs. Flavour is most elegant, steely focus, tannic skeleton, sinewy rather than muscular. Pairs well with meat and seasoned cheese.

97 Points - James Suckling
Showing depth and meaty complexity, this highlights graphite minerality with smoky aromas, lush red cherries, smashed violets and balsamic camphor notes. Tight-knit structure shows firm, dusty tannins well-coated by thick fruit. Full-bodied, this has remarkable power and a chewy finish. Drinkable now but best from 2026.

96 Points - Vinous
Dark and brooding, the 2023 Etna Rosso Guardiola slowly emerges with a whiff of crushed rocks and ash, giving way to fresher notes of rose petals, lavender and sour cherries. Silken in feel and surprisingly energetic within, it splashes across the palate with perfumed red and black fruits underscored by classic Guardiola minerality. Pleasantly chewy and exceptionally long, the 2023 finishes with crunchy tannins and a tinge of licorice, leaving the palate reeling with depth and concentration. This is deceivingly open today, yet it has the power and balance for extended cellaring.

Product size: 750ml