“Alta Mora Guardiola” Rosso Etna DOC 2021

Cusumano | Sicily
Cusumano S.r.l. | SS 113 Km 307 | Contrada San Carlo | IT 90047 Partinico

19084121 · 0,75 l · 52,00 €/l · Price (DE) incl. VAT, excl. Shippingavailable immediately

Guardiola is a name of some standing on Mount Etna. One of Sicily's highest and steepest cru sites, situated between 800 and 1,000 metres above sea level, exposed to the harsh sun, cool winds and the contrasts of a volcanic climate – a combination that shapes not only the landscape but also the character of the wine. The vines – predominantly Nerello Mascalese – are deeply rooted in lava rock and volcanic ash; the soil is poor, black and mineral-rich, a barren terroir that does not pit power against elegance, but rather unites them. The vintage brought ideal conditions for a wine with a firm yet approachable structure: following a cool spring, the grapes ripened under consistently warm summer sun, accompanied by marked day-night temperature variations. The harvest took place late, by hand, in small crates – a crucial moment for precision and balance. Following spontaneous fermentation, the wine was matured in French oak barrels – not to dominate the wine, but to give it definition.

In the glass, it is a transparent ruby colour with a brick-red rim – a typical, elegant colour for Nerello Mascalese from high-altitude vineyards. The nose is initially reserved, then multi-layered aromas unfold: sour cherry, dried flowers, orange zest, graphite and herbs such as thyme and bay leaf, underpinned by smoky, mineral notes reminiscent of wet stones. On the palate, it is slender, almost dance-like, with lively acidity, silky-fine tannins and cool aromatics – an Etna Rosso with a vertical structure, a salty finish and a crystal-clear expression of its terroir. Alta Mora Guardiola is a highly aesthetic volcanic wine: light in colour, deep in character, uncompromising in its terroir. Those seeking the delicate side of Nerello Mascalese will find it here – in one of the stylistically purest and most exciting Grand Crus from the northern slopes of Etna. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright ruby red, sparkling. Opens on the nose with sweet spices, cloves, cinnamon, rich cherry, a hint of undergrowth, cranberries and a smoky note. On the palate, it displays clear fruit, full-bodied and juicy, with tightly integrated tannins, exciting aromas of freshly ground almonds, and a rich, full-bodied structure with good length." Falstaff

"A rich bouquet with notes of sea salt, balsamic vinegar, wet stones and dark berries. Slightly firm and salty on the palate, which emphasises its mineral character, with a medium to full body. Long and spicy. Suitable for drinking now or for ageing." James Suckling

"More savory than sweet, the 2021 Etna Rosso Guardiola grumbles up with nuances of sage, ash and wet stone. Juicy upon entry, this quickly gains in tension as a wave of tart wild berry fruits saturates and edgy tannins amass. The 2021 leaves the palate reeling with youthful concentration and intensity, simply begging for cellaring as violet and lavender inner florals linger on. The power of Guardiola speaks through this vibrant Etna Rosso." Vinous