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Donnafugata Winery Guide
EXPLORE ALL OUR RECOMMENDED ITALIAN WINERIES
Last updated: November 25, 2023
Winery Overview
Donnafugata Winery is one of Italy’s finest wineries and is praised by wine critics and lovers worldwide. Located in Sicily, Donnafugata has various estates, including the historic cellar in Marsala, the beautiful Contessa Entellina country house and vineyards in the western interior of the island, and another winery and estate in the windswept island of Pantelleria off Sicily’s southwest coast. The Rallo family, who owns Donnafugata, have been in the wine business for over a century, and the current generation is highly dynamic and visionary. The Donnafugata brand was born in the early 1980s by Giacomo and Gabriella Rallo in the family’s historic cellars. Today, their children José and Antonio play prominent roles in the company. Even the grandchildren Ferdinando and Gabriella pitch in at the winery by posing as adorable Bacchus figures in the ads.
The term “Donna Fugata” translates as “Fleeing woman.” It refers to the Bourbon King Ferdinand IV’s Hapsburg wife, Queen Maria Carolina, who, in the early 1800s, had to flee their court at Naples (under Spanish rule at the time) when Napoleon’s troops arrived. They fled for Sicily to the country estates of a local prince, and the whole story is immortalized in the famous Sicilian novel “Il Gattopardo” by Giuseppe Tomasi di Lampedusa. This story inspired the brand’s name (their vineyards are located in the same area where the king and queen stayed in Sicily) and the image of the woman with flowing hair on all wine labels.
Donnafugata is known for its extensive range of wines, made with native varietals such as Ansonica (also known as Inzolia), Catarratto, Zibbibo, Nero d’Avola, as well as international varietals like Viognier. While we love all of their wines, we must admit we have a few personal favorites, which include the exquisite “Ben Ryé” (their famed Passito from far-flung Pantelleria), the silky “Polena” made with Catarratto and Viognier, and the velvety “Mille e una Notte” (dominated by the native Nero d’Avola grape).
Wines produced
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Anthìlia
Made with half and half Ansonica and Catarratto, aged in bottle 2 months before released to market, 12.5-13% alc. -
Polena
Catarratto and Viognier blend, 14% alc. 3 months fining in bottle, first vintage was in 2006. -
Lighea
Blend of Zibibbo (vinified in Pantelleria) and Ansonica and Catarratto, 12.5-13%. Lighea was the bewitching siren in Tomasi di Lampedusa’s novel. -
La Fuga
100% Chardonnay, aged in tanks for several months and in bottle at least 3 months before release, 13-13.5% alc. Grapes harvested at night. -
Vigna di Gabri
100% Ansonica, 13-13.5%, 90% wine aged in stainless steel and 10% in French oak barriques, bottle aged min 3 months before release. One of Sicily’s first high end single varietal Ansonicas. -
Chiarandà
50% Chardonna, 50% Ansonica, 13.5-14% alc., from two single vineyards. With this wine, Donnafugata joined the “Wine For Life” initiave to help battle Aids in Africa. -
Sedàra
100% Nero d’Avola, 13-14% alc. Aged 9 months in tanks and further 3 months in bottle. -
Sherazade
50% Nero d’Avola, 50% Syrah, 14% alc. Sherazade is the protagonist in the Thousand and One Nights novel. -
Angheli
50% Nero d’Avola, 50% Merlot, aged in French oak for one year and in bottle min 6 months after. -
Tancredi
70% Nero d’Avola, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13.5-14% alc., Aged in French oak barrels for 12-14 months and in bottle min 10 months. -
Mille e una Notte
90% Nero d’Avola, 10% mixed varietals, aged in French barrique 14-16 months and min 12 months in bottle. -
Kabir
100% Zibbibo (also known as Moscato d’Alessandria), 11.5-12.5 % alc., naturally sweet. “Kabir” comes from the Arabic “The Great”. -
Ben Ryé
100% Zibbibo (also known as Moscato d’Alessandria), 14.5 % alc., the grapes for this Passito from Pantelleria come from 11 different parcels around the island.
Winery Contact Details
Donnafugata
Cantine storiche DonnafugataVia S. Lipari 18, 91025
Marsala, Sicily
Email: [email protected]
Tel +39 0923 724 200
Fax Find out more
Facts & Figures
Appellation
DOC Moscato di Pantelleria, DOC Passito di Pantelleria, IGT Sicilia, DOC Contessa Entellina
Founded
1984
Area under Vine
Age of vines
Ranges, the oldest one is 100 years in Pantelleria.
Oak barrel origin
Winemaker
Stefano Valla
Owner
Rallo family
Production
2,500,000 bottles
Grape varietals
Ansonica, Catarratto, Chardonnay, Viognier, Zibibbo, Nero d'Avola, Syrah, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon
Grape Varieties Used by the Winery
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Ansonica (Inzolia)
Sicilian Inzolia Wines: Freshness and Complexity Unveiled | Discover Italy's Vibrant Whites in Every Glass
Find out more -
Catarratto
Discover Catarratto: Sicily's Evolution from Workhorse to Premium White Wines, a Tale of Terroir and Innovation
Find out more -
Chardonnay
Chardonnay is a green-skinned grape varietal native to the Burgundy wine region in France and one of the most popular varieties worldwide.
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Viognier
Viognier comes from the northern Rhône valley AOC of Condrieu and is where its most famous white wines are produced.
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Zibibbo (Muscat of Alexandria)
Muscat of Alexandria, or "Moscatel de Alejandría" in Spain, thrives in the country's diverse terroirs. Spanish winemakers utilize its captivating qualities to produce a range of wines, including renowned sweet fortified wines, dry whites, and delightful dessert wines, showcasing its intense floral aromas, luscious sweetness, and versatile character.
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Cabernet Sauvignon
Discover the irresistible allure of Cabernet Sauvignon—a worldwide favorite with robust, dark-bodied flavor. Unleash your wine journey today!
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Merlot
Merlot is the most cultivated grape in Bordeaux and closely related to Cabernet Franc
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Nero d'Avola
Explore Nero d'Avola: Sicily's prized red grape, introduced by the Greeks, known for its rich, dark wines, and esteemed for its versatility.
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Syrah
Syrah is dark-skinned and perhaps the most underrated of the 'noble' red grape varieties.
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Winery Appellations
Author
Further Reading: Discover More Related Blog Content
More information
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