Donnafugata introduces a selection of national and international awards: our small production of value conquer, once again, the exigent taste of the wine critics.
James Suckling 97/100
I love the enveloping fragrance of this Etna red, as much as the breathtaking silkiness on the very concentrated palate. Starts with a blast of red berries, but as it flows over the palate, it slowly turns in a totally Mediterranean direction. Notes of capers and wild mountain herbs at the staggeringly long finish. Still slightly tight, so try to be patient. Drinkable now, but best from 2023.
Decanter 94/100
The Montelaguardia contrada (4ha at 730m altitude) is protected by forests from climatic extremes and is milder than the Marchesa contrada (Donnafugata’s other Etna cru wine). Production is tiny: just over 3,000 bottles and 51 magnums. The wine, 100% Nerello Mascalese, is aged in second- and third-use French oak for 14 months, before a further 18 months bottle ageing. 2018 was a cooler, rainier than average vintage on Etna, and the wine has great freshness and energy, with dark fruit character (blackberries and forest fruits) and a sous bois dimension. A twist of black pepper too. It’s mineral, structured and has tannic grip, complementing the perfumed finesse. Would be a great match for pheasant and other game, or Peking duck. Drinking Window 2021 – 2028
James Suckling 94/100
“The enticing nose of blackcurrant, blackberry, cardamon and anise with hints of old balsamic vinegar and smoke, pulls you into this very Mediterranean red. In spite of the serious tannin structure and rather dry palate, it’s beautifully proportioned. Complex dried-lemon and caper character at the long, precise finish. Drinkable now, but best from 2023.”
Falstaff Sizilien Wine Trophy 94/100
“Dunkel leuchtendes, elegantes Rubinrot. In der Nase nach vielen reifen dunklen Beeren, unterlegt von zartem Würzeton, ein Hauch Edelholz und Milchschokolade runden das Bukett ab. Am Gaumen sehr saftig mit strahlender Frucht, gestützt von griffigem Tannin, balsamisch-mineralischer Touch, leicht erdig, im Nachhall mit Druck, gute Länge.”
Decanter World Wine Award 98/100 Platinum
“Rich and waxy notes of dried orange, cremehttp://donna-fugata-old.ssnt.xdev/it/i-vini/ben-rye/ caramel, dried banana, marmalade and mango. Enticing with an explosion of ripe fruit on the palate, luscious with a vibrant balanced acidity.”
Falstaff Sizilien Wine Trophy 95/100
“Strahlendes Bernstein mit goldenen Akzenten. Öffnet sich an der Nase komplex auf Noten von Birnenkompott, gedörrten Aprikosen, Datteln, Karamell und einem Hauch Akazienhonig. Spannt am Gaumen ein großes Kleid auf, extrem vielschichtig, mit saftigem Spiel, reife gelbe Frucht, edel anmutend, mundfüllend, trotzdem sehr ausgewogen im Verlauf mit langem, ausdrucksstarkem Finale.”
Annuario dei Migliori Vini d’Italia di Luca Maroni 99/100
“…Capace di rivelarsi ad un tempo potente, distillato, eppure armoniosamente e fragrantemente profumato. Equilibrio fra vene aromatiche diverse, in suadenza armoniose. Rotondamente avvolte dall’imperante morbidezza, tanto la sua acida spina, quanto la sua glicerinosa vena alcolica di sì massimo tenore. E poi la nettezza dell’enologica trasformazione: tutta definita e avvolgente luce – e voce – del suo ultrapolposo, ultracremoso frutto, del suo terso e speziato fiore. Il primo albicocca e fico, il secondo zagara in fiore. Chapeau.”
Bell’Assai 2019 – Frappato Vittoria DocBell’Assai 2019 presenta intense note floreali di violetta e rosa, così come sentori fruttati di lampone e fragola. E’ fresco e fragrante e con un morbido tannino che ne esalta la piacevolezza.
Slow Wine – Top Wine
