Etna Rosso DOC Contrada Montelaguardia Fragore 2021 Donnafugata

What kind of wine is it

Fragore di Donnafugata is a red wine made in Sicily, falling within the Etna Rosso appellation. Made entirely from Nerello Mascalese grapes, this wine stands out for its elegant profile and pronounced mineral character. The production process focuses on enhancing the volcanic terroir to create a red wine with solid structure and firm tannins. Extended aging in wood and further refining in the bottle lend remarkable depth and harmonious balance to the overall profile, making it ideal for those seeking a clear expression of the Etna region.

Where it comes from

This wine comes to life in eastern Sicily, on the northern slope of the volcano, specifically in Contrada Montelaguardia near Randazzo. The vineyards are rooted in lava soil with a sandy texture, naturally rich in minerals. This unique geological composition plays a crucial role in defining the wine’s style, transmitting a clear sensation of freshness and a precise aromatic character to the grapes. The context of the active volcano creates a particular pedoclimatic environment, leading to a wine of measured elegance and a deep connection to its territory.

How it's made

Production begins with a manual harvest, gathering the grape bunches in small wooden crates. In the winery, fermentation takes place in stainless steel tanks with a maceration on the skins that lasts ten to twelve days at a controlled temperature of twenty-five degrees Celsius. This ensures a careful extraction of color and polyphenolic texture. The wine then rests for fourteen months in French oak barrels, a step that helps integrate the structure and add complexity. A further ten months of bottle aging completes the process before release.

Tasting notes

In the glass, the wine displays a deep ruby red color, consistent with its time on the skins and its aging in wood. The bouquet opens with a wide and well-defined range of aromas, highlighting clear notes of wild berries and spices, enriched by balsamic undertones and mineral hints. On the palate, there’s a direct correspondence to the nose, with a structure marked by well-integrated tannins that firmly support each sip. The tasting finishes with a remarkably persistent finish, where the spicy notes linger elegantly.

Pairings

Thanks to its robust tannic structure and depth of flavor, this red naturally supports dishes with intense flavors. It pairs beautifully with legume-based recipes, mushrooms, and flavorful meats, where the wine’s components balance the richness of the food. Its aromatic persistence makes it ideal for succulent preparations and dishes that call for bold seasonings. Among the suggested pairings, the combination with Peking duck is particularly successful, enhancing both the dish’s structure and the wine’s mineral drive.

When to serve it

This red is designed for occasions where you want to serve a glass with distinct mineral clarity and pronounced aromatic intensity. Thanks to careful maturation, the profile is well-integrated and ready to be enjoyed with important lunches or dinners featuring structured courses. It shows at its best during attentive tastings, where its aromatic evolution can be followed as it rests in the glass. Its solid body makes it the perfect companion for convivial settings where the wine sets the tone for the entire meal.