Donnafugata : Fragore Contrada Montelaguardia 2017

A mineral and complex red wine from a vineyard on Mount Etna

The producer

Founded in 1983, the Donnafugata estate, which means "woman on the run" in Italian, reminds us of a time when Napoleon seized Naples and Maria Carolina, Queen of Naples, was forced to exile on the land of a local prince. Giacomo Rallo, the founder of this estate located in northwestern Sicily, is the fourth generation of a family that has been producing high quality wines since 1851.

Spread over 5 different sites, the Donnafugata estate is unique due to its wide variety of terroirs, providing each wine with a unique style that reflects the richness of Sicilian terroirs.

The wine

Produced since the 2016 vintage, Fragore de Donnafugata is made from a vineyard located on the northern side of Mount Etna, within the Montelaguardia area in Randazzo. This vineyard is characterised both by a drier climate than that of the other sides of the volcano and by the significant differences in temperature between day and night during the summer months.

This terroir, located at an altitude of 730 metres, is unique as its soil is composed of lava with a sandy texture. Deep and rich in minerals, this type of soil encourages deep rooting.

The label, designed by the illustrator Stefano Vitale, evokes the earth’s perpetual movement and the roar of the volcano.

Vinification and ageing

The hand-picked grapes are rigorously sorted both in the vines and in the cellar, before fermentation in stainless steel tanks and maceration with skin for 10 to 12 days. Two or three wines are aged in French oak barrels for 14 months followed by bottle ageing for an additional 12 months before being put on the market.

The blend

Fragore 2017 by Donnafugata is a 100% Nerello Mascalese.

The tasting

Colour

This wine is a beautiful ruby red colour.

Nose

Full and deep, the nose blends fruity (blackberries, currants) and spicy (sweet tobacco, nutmeg) fragrances with subtle balsamic and mineral notes.

Palate

The palate seduces with its delicate combination of exquisite minerality and fine tannins. The finish is persistent and aromatic.

Food and wine pairing

Donnafugata's Fragore 2017 will perfectly complement legumes, meat (especially turkey ribs) and Asian dishes such as Peking duck, beef and pork fondues.

Service

For an optimal tasting experience, serve at 18°C.

Storage

This Mount Etna red wine can be kept until around 2027 in order to reveal its full aromatic richness.