In the glass
Aroma: dark cherry, incense, volcanic ash, dried rose
Palate: cherry-plum, iron, graphite, firm tannin
Alta Mora's premium single-contrada Etna Rosso from the celebrated Guardiola contrada: the estate's most structured and mineral expression from high-altitude old-vine Nerello Mascalese.
What it pairs with
-
Grilled lamb with wild herbs
Firm tannins and mineral depth pair naturally with the gamey, herb-scented lamb. -
Braised oxtail with tomato and olives
The wine's density and graphite character handle the richness of slow-cooked oxtail. -
Aged Ragusano with black olives
Firm tannins and iron-mineral intensity are balanced by the salty aged cheese.
How to serve Alta Mora Etna Rosso Guardiola
Allow 65 minutes from open to pour.
- Open and decant. Open 60 minutes before serving and pour into a decanter to aerate.
- Serve at 14-16°C. Cellar temperature (14-16°C) is the band for this style. Warmer pushes alcohol forward; colder dampens aromatics.
- Glassware. Use a Burgundy bowl with a wide opening: the bowl shape rewards the wine's structure.
- Pair with. Grilled lamb with wild herbs, Braised oxtail with tomato and olives, Aged Ragusano with black olives. Match the wine's structure to the dish's fat and salt.
History
Alta Mora added a single-contrada Guardiola bottling in 2016 to complement the estate red, drawing on old Nerello Mascalese vines in this celebrated high-altitude contrada. The wine positions Alta Mora alongside the premium single-vineyard Etna Rosso tier at an accessible price point.
- 2016 — First Alta Mora Guardiola single-contrada vintage
Facts
- Producer
- Alta Mora by Cusumano (Etna)
- Grapes
- Nerello Mascalese
- Classification
- Etna Rosso DOC
- Oak
- 20 months in large Slavonian oak botti
- ABV
- 14.0%
- Price
- €45-70 at retail
- Drinking window
- 5-18 from vintage
- First vintage
- 2016
Frequently asked about Alta Mora Etna Rosso Guardiola
What does Alta Mora Etna Rosso Guardiola taste like?
On the nose, dark cherry, incense, volcanic ash, dried rose. On the palate, cherry-plum, iron, graphite, firm tannin. Structurally medium-bodied, firm tannins, high acidity with a long, mineral-iron finish. Alta Mora's premium single-contrada Etna Rosso from the celebrated Guardiola contrada: the estate's most structured and mineral expression from high-altitude old-vine Nerello Mascalese.
When should I drink Alta Mora Etna Rosso Guardiola?
Drink 5-18 from vintage. Young vintages benefit from 30-90 minutes of decanting; mature bottles should be handled carefully for sediment.
What food pairs with Alta Mora Etna Rosso Guardiola?
Grilled lamb with wild herbs is the canonical pairing. Other strong matches include Braised oxtail with tomato and olives and Aged Ragusano with black olives. Firm tannins and mineral depth pair naturally with the gamey, herb-scented lamb.
What grapes are in Alta Mora Etna Rosso Guardiola?
The blend is Nerello Mascalese. The wine is classified as Etna Rosso DOC.