In Eastern Sicily, on the northern slope of Etna, the soil shows its infinite power. Here the elegance of volcanic wines tells the story of mountain viticulture characterized by a continental climate, terraces and drystone walls composed of lava stone.
We chose the northern slope of Etna, protected from cold winds by the natural barrier of the Nebrodi mountains, because it is characterized by lower rainfall which favours optimal ripening of the grapes
Hectares
Contradas
Hectares of olive groves
Altitude from 730 to 750 m a.s.l.; the composition of the lava soil with a sandy texture is characterized by a subacid-neutral reaction and by good organic content. Deep, rich in minerals, the lava soil allows great root expansion
Terraced vineyards. Alberello or espalier system of vine-training with spurred cordon pruning. Density of about 4,500 plants per hectare with a yield of 45 to 65 quintals per hectare.
At these altitudes the continental climate meets the Sicilian sun, creating unique climatic conditions: rain and snow in autumn and winter, mild temperatures in spring and summer with great temperature ranges give a marked aromatic freshness to the wines of this area.
Viticulture on Etna is characterized by traditional forms of growing such as the Etna alberello system, with vines that can be over 80 years old. The interaction between soil, microclimate, and vine wisely managed by man makes unique characteristics of the grapes produced here and of wines that stand out for their distinct mineral taste and elegance.
With its eruptions, Etna produces “sciare“, accumulations of lava which, with long physicochemical processes, give life to the sandy soils of the slopes of the volcano. Each sciara, which were created in different historical periods, determines a particular composition of the land: an imprint that makes the wine of a micro-territory unique.
The two crus, Fragore Contrada Montelaguardia and Contrada Marchesa Etna Rosso DOC, have their roots in very ancient lava flows: the Contrada Montelaguardia vineyard rises on a sciara dating back to 1600, the two hectares of Contrada Marchesa instead grow on a sciara dating back thousands of years. The two iconic wines of Etna express all the elegance and power of the volcano
A deep love for one’s land has always been the soul of Donnafugata. A desire to produce quality wines that respect the environment: “From the vineyard to the bottle, there is no quality without sustainability”
On Etna we are bringing some old vineyards back to their original form of cultivation which, from an Etnean alberello, had been transformed into espalier: a work of restoration and conservation of resilient agricultural practices
The UN Agenda 2030
Goal 2 – End hunger
In particularly valuable vineyards, we replace non-productive vines with new plants: this allows us to have a vineyard with a special vegetative-productive balance and to give life to wines that are well-balanced, harmonious and that have a great personality.
The UN Agenda 2030
Goal 15 – Life on earth
Nerello Mascalese is a black grape variety. The high plant density and low grape yield per plant help to generate wines of great elegance and class. The unique terroir of the volcano gives life to its most prestigious versions, under the name of Etna DOC.
Nerello Cappuccio is a variety of black grapes which, together with Nerello Mascalese, forms the DOC Etna Rosso. It has a bunch of a medium length, with a conical shape, and the grape is characterized by a blue-black spheroidal shape. The wine has an intense red colour, the aroma is floral and fruity, it is characterized by hints of berries and vegetables, with a spicy touch. On the palate it is structured.
Carricante is an ancient variety of white grapes grown on the slopes of Etna. It produces elegant whites with a distinct mineral taste. The bunch is medium in size and the berries have a yellow-green skin. Carricante generally has a straw-yellow color with greenish reflections. The aroma is elegant, with fresh notes of white fruit, aromatic herbs, flint and citrus.
Etna Rosso Doc Contrada Marchesa 2018, light ruby red in color, presents a fragrant bouquet with fruity, floral and aromatic herbs scents. In the mouth it stands out for its great balance and fine tannic texture that make it an icon...
Fragore 2019, ruby red colored, it offers an ample and deep bouquet with notes of wild blackberry and forest floor that blend with balsamic, mineral (flint) and tobacco nuances. Due to its complexity and structure with important tannins, together with...
Cuordilava 2018, ruby red colored, presents a bouquet of small red fruits and orange zest accompanied by spicy notes (cinnamon) that intertwine with fresh balsamic and undergrowth hints. On the palate it is ample and deep, characterized by well-integrated tannins...
Isolano 2020, straw yellow color with golden reflections, at the nose presents a refined bouquet with fragrant citrus scents of lemon zest, notes of broom in bloom and Mediterranean herbs. Isolano, a white of enveloping elegance, offers great persistence and extraordinary...
In this area Donnafugata produces monocultivar extra virgin olive oil from Nocellara Etnea. The olive trees are grown on terraced volcanic soils with drystone walls, and they are harvested manually. A fruity and elegant oil with hints of almonds and chestnuts
Guided tours, professional tastings and refined combinations with specialties of local cuisine await you. A hospitality that you can enjoy all year round.
