Donnafugata : Mille e una Notte 2018

The smoothness and aromatic richness of a Sicilian red wine

The estate

Founded in 1983, the Donnafugata estate, which means "woman on the run" in Italian, takes us back to a time when Napoleon seized Naples and Maria Carolina, Queen of Naples, was forced to exile on the land of a local prince. Giacomo Rallo, the founder of this estate located in northwestern Sicily, is the fourth generation of a family that has been producing high-quality wines since 1851. Spread over 5 different estates, the Donnafugata estate is unique due to its wide variety of terroirs, providing each wine with a unique style that reflects the richness of Sicilian terroirs.

The wine

A true invitation to discover the expression of the fine Sicilian wines, Mille e una Notte is produced in the Sicilia DOC appellation and from the finest grapes grown in the Contessa Entellina vineyard. Located between 200 and 400 metres above sea level in a hilly area, the vineyards are planted on a mosaic of rich soils including clay and limestone.

The wine's uniqueness lies in its label, which depicts the palace that once served as a shelter for Queen Maria Carolina of Naples and a sky full of stars, resonating with the Oriental Thousand and One Nights stories.

The vintage

After two dry years, 2018 was marked by significant rainfall. Despite these difficult conditions, the sustainable vineyard management meant that the grapes were harvested at optimum ripeness. Harvesting began with the Syrah plots at the end of August and ended with the Nero d'Avola and Petit Verdot plots in early September.

The vinification and ageing

Hand-picked and sorted in the vineyard, the grapes are transported to the vat room in small crates, to preserve the integrity of the fruit, before being sorted again. Fermentation in stainless steel tanks is followed by a 12-day skin contact maceration. The Mille e una Notte is aged in French oak barrels for 13 to 14 months, followed by at least 18 months of additional bottle ageing before being released onto the market.

The blend

Nero d'Avola

Petit Verdot

Syrah.

Mille e una Notte 2018 by Donnafugata: Characteristics and tasting tips

The tasting

Colour
The colour is an intense ruby red.

Nose
Full and deep, the nose mixes fruity fragrances (red and black fruits) with notes of eucalyptus, spices (black pepper) and vanilla.

Palate
Enfolding and suave, the mouth is seductive due to its structure, its silky tannins and its long finish.

Food and wine pairing

Mille e una Notte 2018 by the Donnafugata estate will perfectly pair with roasted and braised meats, a rack of lamb or a stewed fish dish.

Service

For an optimal tasting experience, serve at 18°C.

Cellaring

Mille e una Notte 2018 by the Donnafugata estate can be kept until around 2038 in order to reveal its full aromatic richness.