Guarnaccia

Guarnaccia Bianca is a little-known white grape variety native to Calabria. Today, its cultivation is extremely limited, found almost exclusively in the province of Cosenza, where it continues to be grown in small quantities by a handful of producers. Though often overshadowed by more prominent southern Italian varieties, Guarnaccia holds historical significance and adds subtle character to local wines.

The origins of Guarnaccia remain uncertain. Some ampelographic theories suggest it may have migrated from Sicily, while others propose an even older Mediterranean lineage. Despite the mystery surrounding its ancestry, Guarnaccia has survived through centuries of traditional cultivation in Calabria’s inland hills, largely due to its resilience and blending versatility.

This variety features white berries that are medium in size and spherical in shape, with a thick, very waxy skin that ranges in tone from greenish-white to golden amber, depending on ripeness and sun exposure. The bunch is medium-sized, elongated, and conical, with medium density, while the leaves are typically pentagonal in shape.

Guarnaccia Bianca vines are noted for their good vigor and medium ripening period, offering stable, consistent yields in the Calabrian climate. The grape is not particularly high in acidity, which makes it well-suited for blending with both white and red local varieties, where it lends body, balance, and soft floral or fruity undertones.

When vinified on its own, Guarnaccia Bianca produces a pale yellow wine with low acidity, mild aromatics, and a delicate, easy-drinking profile. While it is rarely bottled as a single varietal wine, its contribution to blends enhances structure and brings a mellow, rounded texture to the final product.