Guarnaccia Nera is the traditional name used in Calabria to refer to Magliocco Dolce, a native black grape variety deeply rooted in the region’s wine-growing history. Its origins lie in Calabria, where it has long been cultivated alongside other local varieties and used primarily in blends; today, however, it is also appreciated as a single-varietal wine, thanks to the distinctiveness of its varietal profile. The vine exhibits medium to high vigour and ripens late. The leaves are generally of medium size, pentagonal and five-lobed; the bunches, which are medium-sized, cylindrical or conical, tend to be compact. The berries are spherical or slightly elliptical, of medium size, with a thick, pruinose, blue-black skin, whilst the flesh is juicy, not very fleshy and sweet in flavour. It is mainly grown in northern and central-northern Calabria, with significant plantings in the Cosenza area, the Pollino region and the Verbicaro area, where it contributes to the character of the local wines. The wine displays an intense ruby-red colour, at times deep and rich, with aromas of ripe red and dark fruit, enriched by spicy and herbaceous notes. On the palate, it offers good structure, warmth, smoothness and tannins that are present yet harmonious, with favourable ageing potential and interesting prospects for maturation. Its high polyphenol content supports its longevity and is one of the grape variety’s most distinctive characteristics.
