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.
How to serve Graci Arcuria
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 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.
- 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
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.