Sicily’s Donnafugata is not any stranger to Drinkhacker’s pages. In actual fact, publish #1, again in 2007, was a evaluate of a Donnafugata wine. 16 years later we’re again for extra, which now features a partnership with Dolce & Gabbana, which offers a brand-appropriate spin on a number of of the vineyard’s labels.
Right this moment we take a deepish dive into 4 latest releases from this spectacular vineyard, beginning with a energetic rose and ending with its iconic passito dessert wine, Ben Rye.
Let’s dive in.
2022 Donnafugata Rosa Dolce & Gabbana Sicilia DOC – A rose of nerello mascalese and nocera, this can be a strawberry-laden rose with parts of white blossoms and contemporary cream. The floral parts develop in energy because the end builds, which evokes notes of lemon peel, mandarin orange, and coconut, with lacings of honey constructing on the end. A wonderfully summery rose, it drinks simple however, alas, is quickly misplaced into the haze of summer season. An ideal aperitif. B+ / $48
2019 Donnafugata Tancredi Terre Siciliane IGT – A mix of cabernet sauvignon and nero d’avola, this aggressive and licorice-fueled wine pours on notes of blackcurrants and tar, wealthy with darkish chocolate and later a balsamic observe. This pairs properly with a heavier meal but in addition darkish chocolate (as a dessert), as a contact of sweetness helps brighten up what generally is a dense and weighty expertise. A while in cellar ought to assist to even that out and let the thick tannins discover some steadiness, however even now it’s displaying properly — offered you’re ready for a lashing of licorice throughout the face. B+ / $50
2019 Donnafugata Mille e una Notte Sicilia DOC – A basic mix of nero d’avola, petit verdot, syrah, and different grapes. Daring with black fruits and ample tannin, the wine takes its time earlier than settling right down to showcase a extra centered blackberry and currant character, infused with parts of volcanic ash, graphite, and earthy bramble. Some tart cranberry, evenly spiced, on the end. General the wine is tight immediately and slightly astringent, however ought to profit properly from time in cellar — 5 years can be goal, I’d estimate — which can give the wine time to search out some steadiness and softness. Should you drink it now, pair accordingly with a daring dish. A- / $91
2021 Ben Rye Passito di Pantelleria – Constructed from passito type muscat of Alexandria (zibibbo) grapes. All the time a deal with, this honeydripper of a wine is nice however not too candy, providing attractive notes of caramelized peaches, apricot, and flambed banana. Caramel and vanilla drip down the throat on the end — although there’s sufficient acidity to maintain the expertise perky and energetic. Latest vintages of Ben Rye haven’t at all times proven the wine at its finest, however this bottling is a pleasant return to type. A / $50 (375ml)
2022 Donnafugata Rosa Dolce & Gabbana Sicilia DOC
$48
About Publish Writer
