In the glass
Aroma: black cherry, pomegranate, lavender, smoked stone
Palate: dark plum, graphite, dried violet, volcanic earth
The Guardiola contrada yields the densest, most structured cuvée in the Terre Nere single-vineyard range: darker fruit, greater density, and a long mineral-chalky finish.
What it pairs with
-
Slow-braised beef cheeks with Marsala
The wine's density and graphite structure match the rich braise; Marsala echoes the volcanic character. -
Wild boar pappardelle
Gamey ragu resonates with the wine's dark-fruit intensity and earthy mineral core. -
Hard aged Caciocavallo Ragusano
The firm tannins and acidity cut through the rich, crystalline cheese.
How to serve Tenuta delle Terre Nere 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. Slow-braised beef cheeks with Marsala, Wild boar pappardelle, Hard aged Caciocavallo Ragusano. Match the wine's structure to the dish's fat and salt.
History
Guardiola is the highest-altitude contrada in the Terre Nere portfolio, at approximately 900 metres on the north slope. The vineyard's pre-war Nerello vines on sandy volcanic soils produce the estate's most concentrated and long-lived wine, often regarded as the top cuvee in the range.
- 2003 — First Guardiola vintage alongside Calderara Sottana and San Lorenzo
Facts
- Producer
- Tenuta delle Terre Nere
- Grapes
- Nerello Mascalese (95%), Nerello Cappuccio (5%)
- Classification
- Etna Rosso DOC
- Oak
- 18 months in large Slavonian oak botti (30 hl)
- ABV
- 13.5%
- Price
- €55-80 at retail
- Drinking window
- 6-22 from vintage
- First vintage
- 2003
Frequently asked about Tenuta delle Terre Nere Guardiola
What does Tenuta delle Terre Nere Guardiola taste like?
On the nose, black cherry, pomegranate, lavender, smoked stone. On the palate, dark plum, graphite, dried violet, volcanic earth. Structurally medium-bodied, firm tannins, high acidity with a very long, chalky-mineral finish. The Guardiola contrada yields the most powerful and structured of the Terre Nere single-vineyard range: darker fruit, greater density, and a long mineral-chalky finish.
When should I drink Tenuta delle Terre Nere Guardiola?
Drink 6-22 from vintage. Young vintages benefit from 30-90 minutes of decanting; mature bottles should be handled carefully for sediment.
What food pairs with Tenuta delle Terre Nere Guardiola?
Slow-braised beef cheeks with Marsala is the canonical pairing. Other strong matches include Wild boar pappardelle and Hard aged Caciocavallo Ragusano. The wine's density and graphite structure match the rich braise; Marsala echoes the volcanic character.
What grapes are in Tenuta delle Terre Nere Guardiola?
The blend is Nerello Mascalese (95%), Nerello Cappuccio (5%). The wine is classified as Etna Rosso DOC.