On the tiny Mediterranean island of Pantelleria you’ll discover Donnafugata, a vineyard whose protection right here dates again, imagine it or not, to day considered one of Drinkhacker’s existence. We’ve stored up with Donnafugata within the 17 years since that publish, and with this roundup we take a look at three new releases — which now characteristic lighter, recycled glass bottles. Let’s dive in.
2022 Donnafugata Bell’Assai Vittoria Frappato Sicilia DOC – A full of life, floral purple from southeastern Sicily, the wine evokes chocolate-covered strawberries on the nostril, however the palate is pushed by a great deal of contemporary flowers. Lavender, hibiscus, and rose petals are all sprayed throughout the highest of this wine, the end evoking orange blossoms, white carnations, and a pinch of spice. This drinks so significantly better with meals (we had roast pork) than it does by itself, because the floral components can develop into overwhelming on the end. Paired with the fitting meal, they soften into the background. B+ / $30
2021 Donnafugata Sul Volcano Etna Rosso DOC – The evocation of a Sicilian volcano is apt right here on this wine that’s 100% nerello mascalese. Extraordinarily dry and laden with mineral notes, it evokes gravel and ashy soil, making room ultimately for notes of underripe cherry and plum, chased with only a trace of mint, modest anise notes, and a few lingering tea leaf components. Whereas it grows on you over time in glass, your seek for fruit is prone to go in addition to a seek for water within the coronary heart of that volcano, so plan accordingly with the fitting meal pairing. (I’m nonetheless attempting to work out precisely what that’s myself.) B+ / $40
2023 Donnafugata Lighea Zibibbo Sicilia DOC – Racy, fragrant, perfumed zibibbo, although not fairly as fiery as expressions I’ve encountered beforehand. The floral components listed below are zippy and brilliant, showcasing honeysuckle, lilac, and ultimately dill. Racy and vibrant with a zippy acidity on the palate that you just hardly ever see, this wine doesn’t let up, coming throughout like a literal spritz of fragrance proper into the again of the throat, in the best way that solely zibibbo can do. Lingering notes of lemon and cayenne amplify all of the florals which have come earlier than. Intense but additionally versatile, it pair properly with seafood and different lighter dishes, significantly these with citrus within the combine. A- / $25
2022 Donnafugata Bell’Assai Vittoria Frappato Sicilia DOC
$30
