About this wine
Vineyard and terroir
The grapes come from the Contessa Entellina Estate and other particularly suitable areas of southwestern Sicily. Vineyards are predominantly situated at 200–400 m on hilly, clay-loam terrain. The climate combines mild winters with dry, breezy summers and pronounced day-to-night temperature swings. Vines are trained by vertical shoot positioning with spur-pruned cordons and other traditional systems suited to quality production.
Grapes
Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon.
Vinification
The 2022 grapes were harvested by hand into crates and carefully selected. Merlot was picked between the second half of August and the first half of September; Cabernet Sauvignon followed from late August to mid-September. Fermentation took place in stainless steel at controlled temperature, with maceration on the skins.
Ageing
Approximately 12 months in second-use French oak barriques, followed by at least 24 months in bottle.
Technical data
2022: 14% alcohol by volume; total acidity 5.4 g/L; pH 3.69. Cellaring potential exceeds 10 years.
Tasting profile
Deep ruby red. The fragrant bouquet combines red fruit with mint and spice. The palate is enveloping and persistent, shaped by soft tannins.
Serving and pairing
Serve at 16–18 °C with charcuterie, meatballs in tomato sauce, grilled meats, roast duck or chicken, and ribs. In a large, rounded glass it may be opened at service; otherwise open it roughly two hours in advance.
Vintage notes
The 2022 growing season was generally favourable. Rainfall reached 1,016 mm, including 150 mm after harvest, against a long-term average of 665 mm. Autumn and spring rains built useful water reserves, supplemented by irrigation in some vineyards. Temperatures were mostly consistent with recent averages; a June heat spike briefly slowed vegetative development before seasonal conditions returned. Production was slightly lower, while grape quality met the intended targets.
Label / history
First produced in 1997. The label evokes Angelica from Ariosto’s Orlando Furioso, fleeing on horseback, and connects her with Donnafugata’s recurring image of women in flight—figures rooted in history and tradition while suggesting softness and allure.
