Profile

Structure

Bodymedium
Tanninfirm
Acidityhigh
Sweetnessdry
Oaklarge or old casks

Drinking window

Best 5 to 20 years from vintage.

vintage5 yrs20 yrs22 yrs

Critic scores

No critic score is published for this bottle that we can cite with a reviewer, a vintage and a review year, so none is shown. The rating above is our own.

In the glass

Medium-bodiedFirm tanninHigh acidityDryLong, Chalky-Saline finish

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.More wines for lamb →
  • Porchetta with roasted fennel Aromatic herbs in the wine pair naturally with fennel-scented roast pork.More wines for pork belly →
  • Porcini mushroom risotto Volcanic earthiness and dried-herb notes resonate with porcini's umami depth.More wines for risotto →

With cheese

Maiorchino Our pick Maiorchino is delicate for a pecorino when young and turns piquant, ageing from about 8 months to as long as 24. Etna Rosso crus bring firm tannin, high acidity and dark cherry depth, the structure for an old, sharp wheel.

How to serve Graci Arcuria

Allow 65 minutes from open to pour.

  1. Open and decant. Open 60 minutes before serving and pour into a decanter to aerate.
  2. Serve at 14-16°C. Cellar temperature (14-16°C) is the band for this style. Warmer pushes alcohol forward; colder dampens aromatics.
  3. Glassware. Use a Burgundy bowl with a wide opening: the bowl shape rewards the wine's structure.
  4. Pair with. Grilled lamb cutlets with wild thyme, Porchetta with roasted fennel, Porcini mushroom risotto. Match the wine's structure to the dish's fat and salt.

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, is a single-vineyard Etna Rosso released in limited allocations only in the best vintages.

  1. 2004First Arcuria vintage from ungrafted north-slope vines

Facts

Producer
Graci · visiting guide
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

Frequently asked about Graci Arcuria

What does Graci Arcuria taste like?

On the nose, red cherry, dried rose, iron mineral, smoked herbs. On the palate, tart cherry, volcanic mineral, dried violet, licorice. Structurally medium-bodied, firm tannins, high acidity with a long, chalky-saline finish. 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.

When should I drink Graci Arcuria?

Drink 5-20 from vintage. Young vintages benefit from 30-90 minutes of decanting; mature bottles should be handled carefully for sediment.

What food pairs with Graci Arcuria?

Grilled lamb cutlets with wild thyme is the canonical pairing. Other strong matches include Porchetta with roasted fennel and Porcini mushroom risotto. The wine's mineral-herb complexity mirrors wild thyme; firm tannins frame the lamb.

What grapes are in Graci Arcuria?

The blend is Nerello Mascalese (95%), Nerello Cappuccio (5%). The wine is classified as Etna Rosso DOC.

Tags

cellar worthy dry firm tannin high acid iconic medium body mood contemplative mood elegant nerello cappuccio nerello mascalese occasion cellar occasion special old vines old world pairs with game pairs with mushroom pairs with red meat price premium single vineyard still red

Taste it where it is made: tastings near Graci

Etna wine tours (61) · Wine tastings and winery visits in Sicily (51) · Wine tours and day trips in Sicily (44)

See all 2017 bookable experiences in Sicily

← Back to wines in Sicily