Guardiola Bianco 2013
Throughout Europe, 2013 was a cold and delayed vintage. On Mount Etna the ripening of white grapes dragged into the end of September, both due to the altitude of the vineyards and the violent temperature happening every night.
As soon as it was fermented, Guardiola Bianco was green in character; later on in the spring of 2014, however, it had been very much helped by staying long months on its lees and had fattened up: it was turning into a serious wine.
It has now developed real length and depth and as it starts its time in bottle, the 2013 Guardiola will add more lushness to its cutting minerality. This wine is meant for a long aging.
Vineyard age: 11 years
Vineyard area: 4 hectares
Vineyard density: 12,300 vines per Ha
Vineyard altitude: 1,000 m a.s.l.
Yield per hectare: 33 Hl/Ha
Fertilization: None
Spraying: Clay, propolis, sulphur, copper, grapefruit seed extract
Vinification: Stainless steel vats for 20 days at 23 degrees Celcius
Aging: 12 months in cement vats and large oak barrels
Production: 20,000 bottles
REVIEWS
“A pure expression of Chardonnay, the 2013 Guardiola is a lush and generous expression with full body, sensual appeal. The bouquet is profound and fluid with pretty aromas of toasted cereal, tropical fruit, apricot, honey and white rose. The bouquet also reveals those dusty mineral notes that are characteristic of volcanic winemaking. It shows a rich and supple texture with creamy layers. (Drink: 2015 – 2019)”
— Monica Larner, The Wine Advocate, 92 points