Donnafugata wines are still confirmed as the most awarded nationally and internationally.
Our productions have managed to hit the refined and exigent palate of James Suckling:
Mille e una Notte 2018 – Sicilia DOC – points 96/100
“A deep nose of plum, blackberry, red licorice and ground coriander. Medium-to full-bodied with some tense tannins. Fresh. Well-ripened fruit that shows lovely depth, but is not overdone whatsoever. Red fruit takes charge on the palate. A hint of caper, too. Lovely and precise for a wet vintage. Best after 2023.”
Mille e una Notte 2014 – Sicilia DOC – points 95/100
“Lots of cool black fruit on the nose, with tar, dark currants, blackberries, mocha, tobacco, and bitter chocolate. Intensely flavorful, with a medium to full body and firm, very fine tannins. Very fresh. Lots of life. Nero d’avola, syrah and petit verdot. From one of the coolest growing seasons ever in Sicily. Serious. Tasted from magnum. Drink or hold.”
Mille e una Notte 2012 – Sicilia DOC – points 94/100
“There is a meatiness to the nose here, together with notes of plum, fig, lamb’s ear and iron as well. Medium-to full-bodied with silky, tight tannins and bright acidity. Citrus and spice blend on the palate, adding savory character, but keeping the palate surprisingly fresh. Transparent and clean finish. Nicely done. Drink or hold.”
Mille e una Notte 2009 – Sicilia DOC – points 94/100
“Excellent intensity and energy here, with aromas of dark currants, black cherries, wild herbs, anise, balsamic and some cracked pepper. It’s compact, with a lightly chewy, firm yet perfectly ripe tannin frame. Deep core of black fruit. Long and still so youthful. Mainly nero d’avola with some syrah. Tasted from magnum. Drink or hold.”
Ben Ryé 2020 – Passito di Pantelleria DOC – points 95/100
“Concentrated nose of dried apricots, peaches, marmalade, sweet figs, honey and lemon curd. Layered and luscious, with a creamy and honeyed texture. Decadent and intense. Drink or hold.”
Ben Ryé 2018 – Passito di Pantelleria DOC – points 95/100
“So much dried apricot with tangerines, cocoa, sultanas and hints of salted peanuts. Some smoke and tarte tatin, too. Full-bodied with a very sweet palate that’s like Seville-orange marmalade. Vibrant finish. Complex. Drink now.”
Ben Ryé 2012 – Passito di Pantelleria DOC – points 95/100
“Very concentrated with dried raisins, such assultanas, together with toffee, candied orange and salted peanuts with shells. Full-bodied with lots of salted caramel, walnuts, very dried apricots and tangerines. Salt at the end. Dense. Drink now or hold.”
Vini dell’Etna:
Fragore 2018 Etna Rosso DOC – Contrada Montelaguardia – points 97/100
“There’s a lot happening on the nose here. Black cherry, baked strawberry, charcoal, sage, bay leaf and smoked paprika. Full-bodied with tense tannins. Succulent and savory on the palate, the red and black fruit mixing with dark mineral notes and some delicious, smoky character. There is richness here, but it remains very much in balance. Coffee and ash come through at the finish. Complex, with excellent depth and length. Fantastic bottle for this difficult and wet vintage. Severe selection made. Drinkable now, but still better in a year.”
Sul Vulcano 2020 Etna Bianco DOC – points 93/100
“This has a pretty nose of wild thyme, seashells, flint, lemons and star fruit. Medium-bodied with lovely bright and crisp fruit. Linear and mineral. Focused. Drink now.”
Cuordilava Dolce&Gabbana e Donnafugata 2018 Etna Rosso DOC – points 92/100
“Lovely floral aromas with sliced strawberries and a hint of blood orange. Medium body, fine tannins and a fresh finish. Succulent and bright. Sustainable. Drink or hold.”
Vini di Vittoria:
Floramundi 2020 Cerasuolo di Vittoria DOCG – points 91/100
“Cherry stones, redcurrants, lemon peel, rosemary and button mushrooms on the nose. Crisp, fresh and medium-bodied with fine tannins and a zesty finish. Sustainable. Drink now.”
Contesa dei Venti 2020 Vittoria DOC – points 91/100
“Lots of strawberries, raspberries, morello cherries and lemons on the nose with violets and sage, too. It’s medium-bodied with silky tannins and crisp acidity. So fresh. Sustainable. Drink now.”
Bell’Assai 2021 Frappato Vittoria DOC – points 91/100
“Bright and juicy red with aromas of wild strawberries, cherries, button mushrooms and orange zest. It’s medium-bodied with . Fun and delicious. Drink now.”
Vini Contessa Entellina:
Tancredi Dolce&Gabbana e Donnafugata 2018 Terre Siciliane Igt – points 93/100
“This has aromas of blackberries, lemons, peppercorns, dried sage, smoke, grilled porcini mushrooms, toffee and mocha. It’s medium-to full-bodied withripe, polished tannins. Velvety and layered, with a lengthy and flavorful finish. Drink or hold.”
Sherazade 2021 Sicilia DOC Nero d’Avola – points 91/100
“Youthful and fragrant, with aromas of lavender, red plums, chocolate orange and cinnamon. Medium-bodied, fruity and ripe, with fresh acidity and soft, fleshy tannins. Sustainable. Drink now.”
Rosa Dolce&Gabbana e Donnafugata 2021 Sicilia DOC Rosato – points 91/100
“Pretty nose of pomegranates, rose-hips, wild strawberries, grapefruit and herbs. Fresh and crisp with medium body and a bright, fruity finish. Drink now.”
Anthìlia 2021 Sicilia DOC Bianco – points 91/100
“Fresh peach, melon, lemon and apricot stone on the nose. Juicy and fruit-forward, with medium body and a fleshy, tropical finish. Sustainable. Drink now.”
Vini di Pantelleria:
Kabir 2021 Moscato di Pantelleria DOC – points 91/100
“A pure and fruity sweet wine with pretty notes of acacia, honeysuckle, peaches, honey and poached pears. Creamy and honeyed. Very drinkable. Drink now.”
Lighea 2021 Sicilia DOC Zibibbo – points 91/100
“Perfumed white with aromas of lychee, honeysuckle, orange blossom, peach and melon. So juicy and pure, with bright acidity and medium body. Delightfully fruity. From organically grown grapes. Drink now.”
James Suckling after having awarded our wines, in his annual report on Sicily he also dedicated a section to Donnafugata and Pantelleria, including a short video by Antonio Rallo:
