In the glass
Aroma: black cherry, pomegranate, lavender, smoked stone
Palate: dark plum, graphite, dried violet, volcanic earth
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.
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.
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