The Guarini Plus is a result of Aldo Viola's passion for Syrah. He was convinced that the variety could produce excellent results in Sicily when grown in well-ventilated, north-facing vineyards. So, over two decades ago, he set out in search of the perfect site and found it in Feudo Guarini, a tiny place located 30 kilometers from his winery in Alcamo. Since Aldo is not a man for half-measures, he not only worked with some pre-existing vines but also planted additional hectares, so today Syrah occupies nearly half of his vineyard. The exposition faces north, as intended, and the soils are composed of limestone and clay. The climate is so dry and warm that, in normal years, Aldo only uses his tractor twice and applies sulfur to combat oidium. Copper is used very sparingly to fight downy mildew (Peronospora). Despite the dry conditions, Aldo refrains from irrigation, relying on the natural survival instincts of the vine.
In the cellar, the grapes are spontaneously fermented at 25-30°C. Once fermentation is complete, the wine is moved to new and used 600- and 800-liter tonneaux, where it ages for six months without any intervention. The Guarini Plus is neither fined nor filtered, and no sulfur is added.
Style
Dark, elegant, vertical. With the Guarini Plus, Aldo Viola succeeds in creating a structured and puristic Syrah in the heat of Sicily, bridging the flavors of Sicily with the texture of the Northern Rhône. Dark plums, Mediterranean herbs, juniper, and pepper create a broad aromatic spectrum. On the palate, compact tannins combine with a substantial and velvety body.
Data sheet
- Grape varieties: Syrah
- Vineyards: Guarini, limestone & clay soils, N-E-exposition
- Harvest: By hand
- Fermentation: spontaneous | wild yeasts
- Ageing: 6 months in 600/800 litre tonneaux
- Filtration: no
- SO₂: unsulphured
- Alcohol: 14 % vol.
- Closure: natural cork
- Drinking temperature: 16-18°C
- Perfect time of consumption: from now – 2030
- Content and price per liter: 0,75 l/(€34,25/l)
- All winegrowers listed by vinonudo work in their vineyards with compost, organic fertilizers and natural preparations and do not use herbicides, pesticides or artificial fertilizers.
