Donnafugata - Fragore - Etna Rosso DOC 2019

Description

Donnafugata is “projected” towards the future, like an object launched into space, attracted by invisible gravities. Illustrator Stefano Vitale captures this perpetual motion perfectly in the latest label of Fragore that represents the volcano’s roar. Donnafugata continues its journey towards the most remote corners of Sicily: east to Vittoria and then up to the highest point on the island, on the Etna volcano.

Tasting notes

Pale ruby red colored, Fragore presents an ample and profound bouquet featuring spices (sweet tobacco and nutmeg), floral notes (violet) and wild berries merging with mineral (flint stone) and balsamic notes. On the palate it reveals extraordinary complexity and elegance characterized by outstanding minerality and important tannins. Remarkable long finish. Ideal with legumes, mushrooms and tasty meats. Fragore perfectly matches turkey and barbecue ribs. Also great with Asian food as Peking duck, beef and pork hot pots.

Vineyard

The vineyard is located at an altitude 750 m; the composition of the sandy texture lavic soil is characterized by an acid-neutral reaction, with good organic endowment. Deep, rich in minerals, the lavic soil allows strong root growth. VSP (Vertical Shoot Positioning) training with spurred cordon pruning and a density of about 4,500 plants per hectare or Alberello (low bushy vine) and 6,900 plants per hectare. Crop yield is of 4 - 5 tons/hectare.

Vinification

Manual harvesting and careful selection of grapes transported into crates. The Nerello Mascalese destined for the production of Fragore was harvested between October 10 and 14. Once the clusters reach the winery, they undergo further selection on a vibrating table, followed by grape selection thanks to a latest generation de-stemmer able to discard the green and overripe grapes. Fermentation in stainless steel with maceration on the skins for 10-12 days at a temperature of 25 °C. Aged in French oak (second and third passage barriques) for 14 months and then at least 10 months in bottle before release.

Vintage

An autumn and winter with little rainfall. The 2016 vintage recorded 519 mm of rainfall, below the average of 799 mm that characterizes the north side of the volcano, between Randazzo and Passopiscaro, where Donnafugata has its vineyards in 5 different districts. This figure did not have significant consequences. In very loose terrains like these volcanic ones, the root system of the grapevine can go deep and capture the moisture it needs. No excessive heat peaks during the summer; some rain in late August certainly helped the vines, allowing them to complete the cycle of a contained and balanced production. The ripening of the grapes was slow and regular, also thanks to the mild temperatures on many days between September and October. Excellent from the qualitative point of view, the 2016 vintage gave wines with intense perfumes and harmonious tannins; wines of particular finesse and harmony.

Estate

Donnafugata Winery is one of Italy’s finest wineries and praised by wine critics and wine lovers alike all over the globe. Located in Sicily, Donnafugata has various estates including the historic cellar in Marsala, the beautiful Contessa Entellina country house and vineyards in the western interior of the island, and another winery and estate in the windswept island of Pantelleria off Sicily’s southwest coast. The Rallo family who owns Donnafugata have been in the wine business for over a century and the current generation is extremely dynamic and visionary. The Donnafugata brand was born in the early 1980s by Giacomo and Gabriella Rallo in the family’s historic cellars and today their children José and Antonio play prominent roles in the company.

Italy

Sicily

Etna