The Rallo family has made wine in Marsala since 1851 and their ancient cellars tunnel beneath the city. They were one of the first families to begin making high-quality table wine when sales of traditional Marsala started to decline, launching the Donnafugata label in 1983 and championing the potential of the regions native varieties.

Today, Donnafugata has four estates in Sicily: a modern winery and 322 hectares at Contessa Entellina in the hills east of Marsala, 42 hectares in Vittoria towards the south-eastern point of the island, 68 hectares on the island of Pantelleria, and 35 hectares on the slopes of Etna. Donnafugata means fleeing woman and refers to Queen Maria Carolina, who escaped the court of Naples in the early 19th century with her husband, Ferdinand IV of Bourbon, when Napoleons troops arrived. The couple took refuge in Sicily at the Santa Margherita Belice palace, the favourite residence of celebrated writer Giuseppe Tomasi di Lampedusa, which is depicted on the Mille e Una Notte label.

Vineyards

The grapes for this wine are grown in vineyards on the north side of Etna, in five districts between Randazzo and Passopiscaro, at altitudes of 730-750 metres above sea level. Soils there are volcanic, deep and rich in minerals, and allow strong root growth. Vines are trained to Vertical Shoot Position, and are planted at a density of about 4,500 plants per hectare.

Vinification

Upon arriving at the winery, the grapes undergo selection on a vibrating table, separating out any green or overripe grapes. Fermentation takes place in stainless steel with maceration on the skins for 8 to 10 days at 25 C. The wine is aged for 12 months, split between stainless steel tanks and French oak (second and third passage barriques). There is a further 7 months in bottle before release.

Tasting Notes

Pale ruby in colour with an elegant bouquet of raspberries, cherries and mint on the nose. The palate is fresh with nuances of white pepper from the time in oak. The wine possesses silky tannins with a balanced and persistent finish.

Drink with duck, North African inspired dishes or tomato & balsamic salads.