Guardavalle is an ancient Calabrian white grape variety, deeply rooted in the region’s Ionian coast. The name refers to the village of the same name in the Catanzaro area, whilst its history is rooted in traditional rural viticulture, where it was grown alongside other local varieties and used primarily in the production of local white wines. Today, it represents one of the most interesting expressions of Calabrian viticultural biodiversity and is found particularly in Locride, on the Ionian coast of the province of Reggio Calabria, and in the areas of Kalipera and Bivongi, with some also present in the Catanzaro and Crotone areas.
The leaf is medium-sized, pentagonal and generally five-lobed, with a flat or slightly wavy margin and a U-shaped petiole sinus. The bunch is medium-sized, conical, often winged, of medium compactness and sometimes more loose. The berry, spherical and of medium size, has a firm, slightly pruinose skin of an uneven yellow-amber colour. Ripening is medium-late or late.
When vinified as a single variety, it produces wines of a straw-yellow colour, sometimes intense, with aromas of white flowers, citrus, fresh fruit and a characteristic hint of toasted hazelnut. On the palate, it displays freshness, savouriness, warmth and good structure, with a lingering finish. It is suitable both for still wines, which develop harmoniously, and for classic-method sparkling wines, where its acidity lends a pleasant elegance.
