Donnafugata Angheli 2016

In the second instalment of our four-part blog series on Donnafugata wines, we present one of the most appreciated Sicilian red wines from Donnafugata’s winery, Angheli is made with an equal share of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon grapes, carefully kept on the clayey soil of the Contessa Entellina Estate, between 200 and 600 meters above sea level. This is a highly rated wine and is available from S. Rausi Trading.

From the producer (Donnafugata):

About Contessa Entellina (Donnafugata)

In the heart of western Sicily – among the hills of Contessa Entellina, between 200 and 500 metres above sea level – are the vineyards from which Donnafugata originated. The climate is Mediterranean, with concentrated rainfall in autumn and winter, dry and windy summers, characterized by sharp differences in temperature between day and night. The harvest, from August to September, follows the ripening periods of the different varieties. In the winemaking cellar come the grapes obtained from the 285 hectares of the estate, divided into 8 contrade, or districts, and one cru: Vigna di Gabri. In order to enhance the peculiarities of the districts, different in soil (mostly clayey-loam), exposure and microclimatic conditions, the company aims at the best combination between terroir and vine, cultivating 19 varieties. Ansonica, Grecanico, Grillo, Lucido (Catarratto), Nero d’Avola and Nocera (an ancient variety) are the autochthonous varieties, to which are added those that have proven to adapt better to the territory: Chardonnay, Viognier, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah and in small quantities Fiano, Petit Manseng, Sauvignon Blanc, Alicante Bouchet, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, Pinot Nero, Tannat. On this estate prestigious productions with a strong personality are created, such as Mille e una Notte, the iconic red wine that represents Italian excellence in the world.

About Donnafugata (Vivino)

Donnafugata was created in Sicily through the initiative of a family that, with passion, innovated the style and perception of Sicilian wine in the world. Giacomo Rallo – the fourth generation of a family with 160 years of experience in quality wine – founded Donnafugata in 1983 together with his wife Gabriella, and continued to follow the winery with great foresight until his death in May 2016.

Today the fifth generation – José and Antonio – leads a team of people of high competence and strongly motivated to represent the excellence of Made in Italy in the world, always accepting new challenges.
Donnafugata has 3 historic production premises in Sicily. The ancient family cellars in Marsala, where the bottling and aging processes take place. The Contessa Entellina winery, in the heart of western Sicily, with vineyards (283 hectares) and olive groves (9 hectares). The Khamma winery on Pantelleria, volcanic island between Sicily and Africa, with vineyards planted to Zibibbo (68 hectares) cultivated alberello pantesco (UNESCO World Heritage).

With the 2016 harvest, Donnafugata realizes a dream cultivated for a long time: produce, in eastern Sicily, wines under the prestigious Etna, Cerasuolo and Frappato di Vittoria denominations, counting respectively on 18 hectares (44 acres) of vineyards and a vinification cellar in Randazzo on the northern slope of the volcano, and 36 hectares (88 acres) in Acate, classic territory of the denomination. A project that wants to propose the excellence of Sicilian wine from different territories, all of them with extraordinary potential.

The name Donnafugata, which means “donna in fuga” (woman in flight), is taken from the novel Il Gattopardo (The Leopard) and refers to the story of a queen who found refuge where the company’s vineyards are located today. An adventure that also inspired the corporate logo. Today the company’s icon wines are the reds Mille e una Notte, Fragore and the naturally sweet wine Ben Ryé Passito di Pantelleria DOC.

Other Donnafugata reviews

Read our posts on Donnafugata Sul Vulcan, Donnafugata La Bella Sedara and Donnafugata Lighea.