Why do we love it?
Fragore Etna Rosso 2016 by Donna Fugata is an impressive red wine, which bears the mark of lava and the special volcanic terroir of Etna. Nerello Mascalese, the elegant red variety that many call Italy's Pinot Noir, makes red wines that give lessons in finesse and sophistication. Fragore is one of the best examples of the variety with ratings ranging from 93 pts (Wine Enthusiast) to 96 pts (James Suckling).
Donna Fugata Winery is located in the cosmopolitan Marsala of Sicily. The family behind the winery loves art and so each of their labels looks like a painting and was created by the painter Stefano Vitae. Gabriella Anca Rallo and her husband founded the winery, wanting to highlight both Sicily and its wines, which were in crisis at the time. Traveling from California to France, she acquired knowledge and inspiration, so when she returned to Sicily, she started experimenting with both foreign and local varieties. Gabriella is considered by many to be a benefactor of Sicilian wine, as her contribution to its development was very important. The name of the winery was anything but accidental. Donna Fugata is a winery "on fuga" (in flight), i.e. in constant motion towards more and more grandiose goals. Apart from Marsala, they have vineyards in Pantelleria but also in Mount Etna. The unique terroir of Etna, which has been formed for centuries from lava (sciare), gives exceptional and unique wines, with great aging potential. Fragore comes from 5 different vineyards in Montelaguardia district, at an altitude of over 700 meters. The old vines in combination with the volcanic soil and the altitude, give their best fruit, which of course is picked by hand. Strict sorting in both the vineyard and the winery guarantees the amazing quality of Fragore. The wine is fermented in stainless steel tank and then matured in French oak barriques (2nd and 3rd use) for 14 months. The result is intensely floral, full of red fruits, spicy character, and silky structure.
If you want to live a memorable and unique experience then do not miss Fragore 2016 Donna Fugata.
Tastes Like
It has moderate ruby color and intense aromas of violet, lavender, sour cherry, raspberry, wild strawberry, and tea, on a background of smoke and wet stone.
On the palate, it has moderate body, refreshing acidity, and silky tannins. The impressive concentration and purity of fruit meet the spicy character (cinnamon, nutmeg) along with hints of herbs and flowers.
