Com_St_2012_10_31_Its-Indian-Summertime.pdf
On Saturday, November 10, Donnafugata opens its doors to fete the just-ended grape harvest with a preview tasting of the 2012 single-grape wines. This year’s program is enriched with special features: a vertical tasting of Vigna di Gabri, 1997 to 2011, and a sampling of the Kabir-laced panettone produced together with the Padua Prison Bakery.
In Marsala Donnafugata toasts the new vintage in the 3rd edition of “Indian summer: at Donnafugata all must is wine”. On Saturday, November 10, from 7 to 10 pm a fine program featuring wine, food and music will welcome wine-lovers for the Wine Tourism Movement fete devoted to the 2012 vintage.
During the guided tour of the cellars you can enjoy a preview tasting of dry Zibibbo, the 2012 mono-varietal drawn straight from the vat – a treat normally reserved for “insiders”. In the Barrel Room guests will participate in an interactive sensory workshop: a guided tasting, with territory and variety files for the different grapes grown at the winery’s vineyards. Tasting wines still “rough” makes it possible to appreciate the typical varietal notes of the following grapes: Ansonica, Catarratto, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Grillo, Merlot, Nero d’Avola, Petit Verdot, Sauvignon Blanc, Syrah, Tannat, Viognier, dry Zibibbo, Zibibbo Passito (the future Ben Ryé). And for lovers of challenges there will again be the fun of “Name the grape! Test your inner enologist!”. A blind tasting in which contestants will have to identify the 5 mono-varietals tasted during the workshop. Winners will be awarded the title of “DOC Enologist – Donnafugata 2012”.
Accompanying samplings of the new wines will be vibrant Sicilian folk music performed by the Mediterranean Sextet, and autumnal “schiticchio” (feast) featuring pork, in the form of prized S. Angelo di Brolo salami, capicollo (cured pork shoulder) and dried sausage from Chiaramonte Gulfi; roasted pork or sausage wraps; freshly made ricotta; fava bean soup (macco); assorted cheeses ranging from Vastedda del Belice to Nebrodi provola and Coscavaddi ragusano; fresh-roasted chestnuts; typical desserts like frutta martorana (marzipan fruits) colored on site and “San Martino biscotti” to munch dry or dip in wine.
Among the special features of this 2012 edition is a guided vertical tasting of Vigna di Gabri to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the winery’s beloved label. A wine that Giacomo Rallo dedicated to his wife Gabriella (“Gabri”) and her great love for the Contessa Entellina vineyard, that bears her name. A history recounting Donnafugata’s origins and the strength of the family business. Antonio Rallo, head of winery production, will guide the first of the 4 tastings of 5 vintages in a surprising vertical of bottles no longer in commerce from 1997 to 2011 (the anniversary vintage) and including the 2002, 2004 and 2010. (Reservations required, limited admission).
And to end on a sweet note, a tasting of the Kabir-laced panettone made by the Padua Prison Bakery, with the chef on hand to explain its secrets. A cake typical of northern Italy wed to the Mediterranean sunniness of Donnafugata’s Kabir Moscato di Pantelleria DOP, intensely citrusy and hinting of cantaloupe. Two excellent products Made in Italy that tell a story of social commitment and the valorization of talent even in the harshest places, like prison.
The Kabir-flavored panettone was previewed at Taste 2012 during which more than 500 people were asked to taste and pick their favorite panettone: the winner was the Kabir. Finally, to help valorize the city of Marsala’s historic and cultural heritage, Donnafugata will be giving admission tickets to the Arras Museum to whoever demonstrates real enthusiasm for wine and the winery: the winner of “DOC Enologist – Donnafugata 2012”, the ones who register for the Vigna di Gabri vertical and purchase several bottles.
Reservations are required and can be booked (no later than November 8) by e-mailing [email protected] or calling 0923 724245 or 724263.
Public Relations:
Baldo M. Palermo [email protected] tel. 0039 0923 7242267
Laura Ellwanger [email protected] te. 0039 0923 724258
