Contrada G 2017
ABOUT THE VINTAGE
At 800 meters above sea level, Contrada Guardiola is an ancient domain at the heart of the estate that produces a rich, juicy wine with fleshy red fruit and smoky mineral tones. We make this wine from a selection of 100+ year-old vines.
The heatwaves that hit the mainland of Italy also came to Etna. With no drops in temperature that usually brighten the nights, the long, hot summer lasted until mid-September. We had to add a little water to the vines to help them through. The grapes had ripened steadily and gradually during late summer and, especially, fall. The advanced maturation in the grapes caused the harvest to begin more than a week earlier than usual and all at once, from October 20th to 29th. The nerello mascalese wines of 2017 are strong in body, powerful in structure, with notes of ripe red fruits, blood orange, pomegranate, and camphor.
REVIEWS
Kerin O’Keefe, Wine Enthusiast, 97 points, Editors’ Choice: “Here’s another stunning wine from this fantastic estate, opening with aromas of underbrush, wild berry, tobacco, rose and dried mint. The structured, elegant palate delivers crushed raspberry, strawberry compote, star anise and flinty mineral, while taut, refined tannins provide finesse and support. Drink 2021–2029.”
Monica Larner, The Wine Advocate, 94 points: “The 2017 Contrada G (from the spectacular Contrada Guardiola) is a very elegant and polished expression with small berry intensity, crème de cassis, dried pomegranate and delicate whiffs of exotic spice. The wine positions itself with vertical intensity thanks to its mid-weight mouthfeel and very focused aromatic intensity that awakens the senses. I love the extremely polished and pristine nature of this 100% Nerello Mascalese.”
Alison Napjus, Wine Spectator, 93 points: “A finely meshed red, with ripe black cherry, anise, kumquat and dried strawberry flavors gliding across the palate. Taut tannins underscore the supple texture, while savory saline, iron and herb notes chime in on the lasting finish. Drink now through 2027.”
BLEND
100% Nerello Mascalese
ALTITUDE
800 m asl
PRODUCTION
3,750 bottles
