2018 Donnafugata Mille e una Notte (750ml)

Nero d’Avola from Sicily, Italy

B-21 Top Recommendation
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Crafting an impressive portfolio showcasing “the extraordinary richness of Sicily” according to Decanter, this selection of Donnafugata wines is the perfect opportunity to enjoy a comprehensive tasting tour from one of Sicily’s most acclaimed producers, their fantastical and colorful labels a window into the incredible range of exceptional and innovative wines they produce and promising pleasurable drinking for years to come.

Founded at the Rallo family’s historic Contessa Entellina estate in northwest Sicily in 1983, Donnafugata’s vineyards now span an impressive 383 hectares across the region, the winery’s name which translates as “woman on the run” inspired by the legendary escape of Queen Maria Carolina from Napoleon’s troops to Sicily in the 1800’s and reflected on their iconic logo. Now led by fifth-generation siblings Antonio and Jose Rallo, Donnafugata is as much an innovator as a producer, leading the region in sustainable practices and crafting wines that reflect their unique Sicilian terroir and origins with an increasing focus on the island’s indigenous varietals.

Their top rated white wines include the fragrant 91 pt. 2021 Donnafugata Anthilia crafted from the indigenous Catarratto grape and described as “juicy and fruit forward” by James Suckling, the fresh 91 pt. 2020 SurSur called “a total pleasure and a perfect wine for the dog days of summer” by Eric Guido of Vinous, crafted from 100% Grillo and named an Editor’s Choice by the Wine Enthusiast and the dry and aromatic 90 pt. 2020 Lighea 100% Zibibbo also known as Muscat of Alexandria and grown on the tiny island of Pantelleria. Boasting a “juicy palate” with “velvety tannins,” the full-bodied 90 pt. 2019 Sherazade is an “especially good value” according to the Wine Advocate’s Monica Larner along with the juicy and appealing 90 pt. 2020 Sedara, both crafted from the indigenous Nero D’Avola while the smooth and harmonious 92 pt. 2018 Floramundi from Cerasuolo di Vittoria blends Nero D’Avola and Frappato for a “juicy finish” according to James Suckling. The 93 pt. 2019 Sul Vulcano from Nerello Mascalese grown on the island’s famous volcanic slopes is a “sophisticated Etna red” while the 97 pt. 2018 Fragore Contrada Montelaguardia Etna Rosso shows “breathtaking silkiness.” Summing up the fresh and fruity 91 pt. 2021 Bell'Assai Frappato from Vittoria as “fun and delicious,” Suckling declares Donnafugata’s flagship Nero d’Avola, the 96 pt. 2018 Mille e una Notte, “lovely and precise.”

A collaborative project with the famed Italian fashion house who designed the labels for these special releases, the fragrant 93 pt. 2018 Tancredi Dolce & Gabbana Edizione Limitata blend of Cabernet Sauvignon with Nero d’Avola and Tannat is described as “silky smooth and elegant” by Eric Guido of Vinous, while the pale pink 91 pt. 2021 Donnafugata Dolce & Gabbana Rosa is a blend of Nerello Mascalese and Nocera that’s “a total pleasure to taste” according to Guido. Reflecting its Mount Etna terroir with mineral-driven acidity, the robust 2017 Donnafugata Dolce & Gabbana Cuordilava from 100% Nero Mascalese reveals spiced red fruit and a long, elegant finish. Ranked as “one of Italy’s A-list dessert wines” by the Wine Advocate, the 96 pt. 2018 Donnafugata Ben Rye is a triumph, crafted in the Passito style from sun-dried Zibibbo grapes from the island Pantelleria, intensely aromatic with complex honeyed fruit balancing savory acidity and a lengthy finish built for long-term enjoyment.

Whether you’re already a Donnafugata fan or are exploring these wines for the first time, each of these signature selections is as unique as this iconic first family of Sicilian wine, experts at crafting some of the top representations of Sicily’s indigenous grapes for decades and able to transport the taster to their enchanting island with every sip, unbeatably priced for mixing a case.

96JS

A deep nose of plum, blackberry, red licorice and ground coriander. Medium-to full-bodied with some tense tannins. Fresh. Well-ripened fruit that shows lovely depth, but is not overdone whatsoever. Red fruit takes charge on the palate. A hint of caper, too. Lovely and precise for a wet vintage. Best after 2023.

96 points, James Suckling (Aug 2022)

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$89.98

Compare At: $89.99

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