2011 Contrada Guardiola

Guardiola. Just mid ruby. Very closed and tight on the nose with a clear mineral note. Same closeness on the palate with the acidity standing a little apart, at least for the moment. Fruit becomes more prominent on the finish. Compact muscular tannins. Original and ageworthy. (WS)

From the celebrated Guardiola cru, the 2011 Contrada G is a powerful wine with extra padding and softened compared to the estate’s 100% Nerello Mascalese Passopisciaro. This is the inaugural vintage of Contrada G and this starting point is promising indeed. Dark cherry and blackberry fill the palate, followed by tar, smoke and clove (the wines sees 18 months in botte grande). The high acidity and the solid structure of the wine will carry it gracefully throughout the years. Drink 2016-2030. Andrea Franchetti is the original “man against the volcano.” This eccentric and utterly charming nobleman from Tuscany fell in love with Etna and decided to set up shop in the sleepy town of Passopisciaro following his success at Tenuta di Trinoro in Sarteano, Siena Province. As Andrea tells it, the Etna challenge was anything but easy. He fought with local sheepherders for control of his own property and is often under the threat of forest fires (from both arsonists and volcanic molten lava). For years, he was seen as an outsider within the closed and insular Etna community. But Andrea Franchetti’s contribution to the wine culture that now flourishes on Etna cannot be overstated. He is one of the founding fathers of this pioneering appellation. I once asked Andrea if he preferred making wine in Tuscany or Etna. “Sometimes I consider leaving Tuscany and coming to Etna full time,” he replied. Importer: T. Edward Wines, www.tedwardwines.com