Cusumano Alta Mora 'Guardiola' Etna Rosso 2020

Introduction

Cusumano Alta Mora 'Guardiola' Etna Rosso originates from Italy, within the Sicily region and the Etna DOC subregion. The Alta Mora project was founded by brothers Diego and Alberto Cusumano alongside their father, Francesco, as a dedicated venture to explore the winemaking potential of Europe's largest active volcano. Their winemaking philosophy focuses on capturing the extreme quality and distinctive traits of the volcanic terroir. This specific cuvée is a single-vineyard expression sourced from a tiny parcel of incredibly rare, 150-year-old pre-phylloxera vines situated at a high altitude between 800 and 1,000 metres above sea level in the Guardiola contrada.

Wine Description

This red wine displays a luminous ruby red appearance with light brick garnet reflections and possesses a medium-to-full body with a remarkably smooth, flowing structure. The sensory profile is highly elegant, opening with a complex aromatic nose of red currants, blackberries, and wild rose, layered with underlying notes of forest floor, leather, and walnut husk, alongside mineral sensations of graphite and ash. On the precise and juicy palate, it delivers a vibrant perception of freshness supported by a satisfying saline component, unfolding into flavours of small red fruits, peppermint, and black pepper wrapped in dense, velvety tannins. The finish is long and well-structured, characterized by an articulate persistence and a lingering savory edge.

• Varietal Composition: 100% Nerello Mascalese.

• Stylistic Notes: The wine is celebrated for its remarkable structure and poise, achieving its complexity through a 18-to-21-day maceration followed by malolactic fermentation in wood and extended aging in large 25-to-50-hectoliter oak barrels and tonneaux.

• ABV: Typically recorded between 14% and 14.5% depending on the vintage.

• Organic Status: While the estate relies on traditional manual agriculture and gravity-flow architecture constructed from local lava stones to minimize environmental impact, this specific bottling is not certified organic.

Food Pairing

The vibrant mineral tension, fresh acidity, and fine-grained tannins of this Etna Rosso make it a highly adaptable companion for rich and savory cuisine.

• Meats: Pairs beautifully with herb-seasoned pork, roasted chicken, grilled duck breast, or a classic bone-in ribeye steak.

• Seafood: Suggested pairings include traditional grilled Sicilian tuna fillets, which beautifully complement the wine's volcanic salinity.

• Savoury: Matches exceptionally well with rustic pasta dishes served with fresh tomatoes, wild mushroom sauces, or traditional meat ragù.

• Cheese & Salumi: Complements platters of artisanal Italian salami or hard cheeses like mature Gruyère.