In the glass
Aroma: red cherry, dried rose, iron mineral, smoked herbs
Palate: tart cherry, volcanic mineral, dried violet, licorice
Arcuria is the Graci flagship: from 52 acres of ungrafted pre-phylloxera vines on the north slope, it epitomises Etna's Burgundian paradox - light ruby colour belying deep mineral complexity and firm, precise tannins.
What it pairs with
-
Grilled lamb cutlets with wild thyme
The wine's mineral-herb complexity mirrors wild thyme; firm tannins frame the lamb. -
Porchetta with roasted fennel
Aromatic herbs in the wine pair naturally with fennel-scented roast pork. -
Porcini mushroom risotto
Volcanic earthiness and dried-herb notes resonate with porcini's umami depth.
History
Alberto Aiello Graci purchased old-vine Nerello parcels at Passopisciaro in 2004, farming the ungrafted pre-phylloxera vines biodynamically. Arcuria, named for the contrada, quickly became one of the most sought-after single-vineyard expressions on Etna, with production limited to the best vintages.
- 2004 — First Arcuria vintage from ungrafted north-slope vines
Facts
- Producer
- Graci
- Grapes
- Nerello Mascalese (95%), Nerello Cappuccio (5%)
- Classification
- Etna Rosso DOC
- Oak
- 18 months in large Slavonian oak botti (20-30 hl)
- ABV
- 13.5%
- Price
- €45-70 at retail
- Drinking window
- 5-20 from vintage
- First vintage
- 2004