Giacomo Rallo, founder of the Donnafugata winery and leading figure of Italian quality wine, passed away suddenly this morning.
Born in Marsala in 1937, after obtaining a law degree, he joined the family business. In 1983 he founded with his wife Gabriella Anca, Donnafugata, continuing a wine story five generations long. Author of the renewal process of Sicilian wine, he acted as mouthpiece of the need for a new and higher level of cohesion of the island’s production system, promoting qualitative value as well as cultural value and image. A commitment that will see him protagonist in Unione Italiana Vini, Federvini and in the birth of Assovini Sicilia. In 2006 he was appointed Cavaliere del lavoro.
At 15 today – in the Historic Cellars in Marsala (Via S. Lipari, 18) – the funeral chamber will be open. The funeral rites will be held tomorrow afternoon, at 16, in the Chiesa Madre in the town of Marsala. Lots of messages of condolence and friendship are reaching the Rallo family at this time, remembering, the passion and commitment, but also the irony and the value of a smile.
His wife Gabriella and their children Josè and Antonio, thank those among members of the staff and friends, who have wanted to express their closeness and affection, dispensing with visits.
PUBLIC RELATION
Baldo M. Palermo [email protected] phone +39 0923 724226
Laura Ellwanger: [email protected] phone. +39 0923 724258
PRESS OFFICE
Nando Calaciura [email protected] mob. +39 338 3229837