Etna Rosso Guardiola 2023

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The first vineyard of Tenuta delle Terre Nere winery in 2002, the first Etna Rosso to bring the Contrada back on the label and the first in a Burgundy bottle. Of all the Crus of Terre Nere, Guardiola is the one with the highest altitude, from 900 to 1000 metres, at the extreme limit of the DOC. The higher you go the more the soil becomes impoverished and the Guardiola is no exception: lean soils composed mostly of volcanic sand, basaltic rubble and small traces of ash. And equally, as the steepness increases, the terracing, to compensate, shrink. 

Viticulture becomes all forcedly manual and singularly difficult. The altitude exacerbates the acidity in the wines, the lean soils accentuate the tannins, complete maturation becomes essential, the yield per hectare is naturally low. 

The wine has an intensity like the tension in the release of spring, and purity, austerity, and rigorous minerality. A character of great power and originality comes into one. Of all of the Terre Nere crus, it is the one that takes the most time to relax and express itself. The backbone loses tension, the tannins soften, the authority and vigour remain. 

Vibrant with a translucent ruby-red hue that glistens in the glass. A complex bouquet of bright ripe red fruits, such as ripe cherries and cranberries, alongside subtle floral notes of violets – an elegant and aromatic profile. A delicate hint of volcanic minerality. Medium bodied, well-structured and balanced. Subtle earthy notes emerge on the mid-palate, and a touch of herbal complexity, hints of thyme and rosemary. Lively acidity and soft, well-integrated tannins.