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Contessa Entellina

Where Donnafugata was born.

In the lands of the Gattopardo

At Contessa Entellina, art, history, and literature are intertwined in a unique land. These are the locations  of Tomasi di Lampedusa and his “Woman on the run”, but also of Donna Gabriella who, here, is a pioneer of quality and female viticulture.

A close look at the Estate

The Territory, the vineyards and the climate

The vineyards where Donnafugata was born are in the heart of western Sicily, amongst the hills of Contessa Entellina. There is a Mediterranean climate, with rain concentrated in the autumn and winter months, dry and breezy summers, with a great range of varying air temperature between day and night.

343

Hectares

10

Contradas

19

Species of grapes

4

Cultivars of olives

Terrain

Altitude from 200 to 600 m above sea level; hilly; medium-clayey soils with sub-alkaline reaction (pH from 7.5 to 7.9) rich in nutrients (potassium, magnesium, calcium, iron, manganese, zinc) and total limestone from 20 to 35%.

Vineyard

Espalier training system with cordon spur pruning, leaving 6 to 10 buds per plant. Density of 4,500 – 6,000 plants/hectare, with yields ranging from 40 to 85 quintals/ha (from 0.8 to 1.7 kg per plant).

Climate

Mild winters. Dry and breezy summers with a great range of air varying  temperature  between day and night (16° -18°C), ideal for the production of healthy grapes, rich in aromas and perfect ripening . Average annual rainfall, in the last ten years, 670 mm.

Artisanal wine making

In the vineyard

We believe in the valorisation of native varieties, expressions of an authentic and innovative Sicily

At Contessa Entellina we grow 7 native varieties in 9 Contradas which differ in soil, altitude, exposure and microclimatic conditions. An agronomic choice aimed at bringing out the peculiarities of each variety of grape

The harvest

Harvesting is done manually, carefully selecting the bunches

The harvest follows different ripening periods. After the careful selection of the bunches in the vineyard and in the winery on the vibrating table, the grapes of the different vines are sent separately for vinification.

 

Mille e una Notte

An icon of Italian excellence throughout the world

Mille e una Notte (A Thousand and One Nights) comes from the best grapes of the vintage, harvested manually. Upon arrival in the winery, the grapes are cleaned on the vibrating table and then selected with a state-of-the-art stalk-removing machine. Fermentation in steel tanks with maceration on the skins for about 14 days at 28-30 C°, followed by ageing in new French oak barrels and a long period of ageing in bottles.

Environmental sustainability

Producing while respecting the environment and humanity

A deep love for one’s land has always been the soul of Donnafugata. A desire to produce quality wines that respect the environment: “From the vineyard to the bottle, there is no quality without sustainability”

Photovoltaic and clean energy

In 2002 and 2008 we installed two photovoltaic systems (for a total of 68 Kw) at Contessa Entellina: this is where our search began for the best solutions in terms of clean energy and reduction of the environmental impact.

The UN Agenda 2030
Goal 7 – Clean and Accessible Energy

Harvest at dawn and energy conservation

We harvest the Chardonnay grapes in the coolest hours so  the bunches have the lowest temperature: a choice that allows us to reduce energy consumption by 70% for cooling the grapes while safeguarding the aromatic content.

The UN Agenda 2030
Goal 12 – Responsible consumption and production

Experimental vineyard and biodiversity

Since 2009, we have been committed to the protection and enhancement of Sicilian wine biodiversity thanks to an experimental vineyard with 19 native varieties including some surviving heritage varieties, which have almost completely disappeared.

The UN Agenda 2030
Goal 15 – Life on earth


From the Sostain Sicily Foundation to the UN Agenda 2030: for sustainable development

Find out about our commitment
The Contradas

Terroir and grape varieties

Each Contrada is a unique terroir capable of giving distinctive characteristics to the wines that come to life there



Mazzaporro

Soil:Medium-clayey soil with sub-alkaline reaction (pH 7.6) Total limestone 25%

Altitude:250 m a.s.l.

Exposition:30% flat, 70% W.

Ansonica Catarratto, Chardonnay, Grecanico, Sauvignon Blanc, Viognier, Nero d’Avola, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot

Savoriness, structure, longevity; territory that enhances the characteristics of each variety  

Duchessa

Soil:Clayey soil with sub-alkaline reaction (pH 7.7) Total limestone 25%

Altitude:200m a.s.l.

Exposition:100% W.

Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon

Savoriness and elegance

Casale Bianco

Soil:Medium-clayey soil with sub-alkaline reaction (pH 7.7) Total limestone > 35%

Altitude:400m a.s.l.

Exposition:70% W (Cabernet, Syrah and NdA) 30% S (Merlot) Catarratto 30% flat and 70% W

Nero d’Avola, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah

Great body and elegance; fit for long periods of ageing

Arcera

Soil:Medium-clayey soil with sub-alkaline reaction (pH 7.6) Total limestone > 35%

Altitude:360m a.s.l.

Exposition:70% SW (lower Arcera) 30% flat

Ansonica

Medium structure, finesse and freshness

Miccina

Soil:Medium-clayey soil with sub-alkaline reaction (pH 7.5) Total limestone 30%

Altitude:350m a.s.l.

Exposition:Almost entirely flat exposure

Ansonica, Grecanico, Fiano, Petit Manseng, Viognier, Sauvignon Blanc, Nero d’Avola, Merlot

Good freshness, discreet body and elements characterising the varieties

Predicatore

Soil:Clayey soil with sub-alkaline reaction (pH 7.9)
Total limestone 25%

Altitude:300m a.s.l.

Exposition:30% flat, 70% E

Viognier, Nero d’Avola, Merlot, Tannat

Good body with remarkable finesse and elegance

Pandolfina

Soil:clayey-silty soil with sub-alkaline reaction (pH 7.9)
Total limestone 35%

Altitude:300m a.s.l.

Exposition:20% flat, 80% on a hillock that has a variety of exposures

Chardonnay, Alicante Bouchet, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot, Tannat

Great body, elegance and complexity

Galia

Soil:Clayey soil with sub-alkaline reaction (pH 7.9)
Total limestone 25%

Altitude:300m a.s.l.

Exposition:25% flat, 75% NE

Grillo, Chardonnay, Alicante Bouchet

Good body with remarkable finesse and elegance


The Varieties

Ansonica

This is one of the vines that has thrived in Sicily for the longest period of time. Widely diffused throughout the island, it contributes to the creation of many white wines, often blended with Catarratto. Making a fine wine of a straw-yellow colour with greenish reflections, characteristic aromas of the grape (hints of summer white fruit), to the taste it has a fairly savoury flavour, a good alcohol content, balanced acidity and smoothness.

Grillo

Indigenous vine, a hybrid made from Catarratto and Zibibbo; the origin of the crossing is not clear, but it may have been created after the mid-19th century by Baron Mendola. Its grapes produce excellent white wines that are ready or suitable for ageing. It has a deep straw-yellow colour, a good aromatic content, with herbaceous and floral scents and citrus notes. The flavour is savoury with good acidity, balanced smoothness and an excellent taste structure.

Lucido (Catarratto)

Historic vine of Sicily where it has been cultivated since time immemorial. The Lucido grapes (synonymous with Catarratto) are included in the composition of many Sicilian white wines. The wine is straw-yellow in colour with green reflections; aromatic profile of particular finesse and intensity, characterised by fruity and floral hints, accompanied by notes of Mediterranean scrub. The taste is characterised by a good structure, excellent sapidity, a distinctly mineral taste, it ends with the correct degree of acidity.

Nero d'Avola

King of the Sicilian red grape varieties, it is successfully cultivated in all the wine-growing areas of the island, showing excellent interaction with the environment. In the Contessa Entellina area, the wines are full of personality. Deep ruby-red colour, high aromatic content with fruity, floral and spicy notes, excellent taste structure, correct tannic bite, full-bodied, even balance of acidity and smoothness, overall, it is harmonious.

Nocera

Nocera is one of the oldest red grape varieties in Sicily, and stands out for its freshness and captivating fruity element. The red wines have a deep red colour with an intense and complex aroma, the aroma is characterised by floral notes. On the palate it is structured and persistent. Rosé wines are characterised by a fragrant aroma that smells of flowers and red fruit. In the mouth they are quite enveloping despite the right freshness, and they win over for their spontaneous juicy element.

Cabernet Sauvignon

Red grape variety of French origin from the Gironde area (Bordeaux), today it is among the most cultivated and well-liked grape varieties throughout the world. The small berries and thick skins produce very colourful wines of purple hues, with typical hints of black currant and black cherry. Cabernet Sauvignon has a great structure and excellent acidity, with abundant dense and silky tannins that make it particularly suitable for long ageing in oak barrels. In its evolution it develops pleasant hints of cedar wood, liquorice and tobacco leaves.

Chardonnay

White grape variety originating in Burgundy, France. Today it is grown all over the world thanks to its great adaptability to different climates and winemaking styles. Drunk young, it fascinates with its finesse and its tropical fruity and citrus notes. Its delicate aroma and great freshness make it suitable for the production of sparkling wines made in the classic method. Chardonnay also lends itself to vinification and ageing in oak barrels, which amplify its fruity bouquet by adding elegant hints of dried fruit, pastry and vanilla

Petit Verdot

Red grape variety historically used in small percentages in the blends of the famous wines of Médoc (Bordeaux). It is a variety that adapts very well to the Mediterranean climate, which gives the wine an intense purple colour and an aromatic concentration with balsamic and spicy notes. The influence of the climate gives the wine strength and a great tannic structure with a fine and velvety texture. Used in blends it brings elegant hints of black berry fruit (blueberries and blackberries) together with pleasant balsamic and spicy sensations (tobacco and hay)

Syrah

Red grape variety historically cultivated in France in the Rhône region. Today it is among the most widespread international varieties, well-respected for its adaptability to hot climates and for the elegance of the wines.

Sicily is the region that has best interpreted this vine, often vinifying it with Nero d’Avola to obtain smooth and spicy wines. Wine with a red colour tending to purplish, the aroma is complex with hints of red fruit (cherry and black cherry) and flowers (violet). The warm Mediterranean climate of the Contessa Entellina area accentuates the spicy scents (liquorice). On the palate it is structured with abundant silky-textured tannins

Tannat

Red berried grape probably originating from the French Basque Country, where today it represents the dominant vine of the Madiran area. Its name almost certainly derives from its tannic and structured nature. It is a thick-skinned grape that produces wines with intense colours and characteristic notes of black mulberry and tobacco. It adapts very well to the Mediterranean climate of Sicily, expressing strength and a concentration of aromas (liquorice).

The wines of the estate

Mille e una Notte 2021 Sicilia Doc Rosso

Intense ruby red in colour, Mille e Una Notte 2021 Special Edition presents a broad bouquet characterized by fruity notes of black mulberries and plum, spicy notes of black pepper and liquorice; it stands out for the delicate hints of...

Tancredi Dolce&Gabbana e Donnafugata 2021 Terre Siciliane Igt

Intense ruby red colour, it stands out for a broad bouquet with fruity notes of plums and blueberries; it also presents spicy and bal-samic nuances of licorice as well as sweet roasted notes such as vanilla and tobacco. In the...

Vigna di Gabri 2023 Sicilia Doc Bianco

Vigna di Gabri 2023 is a bright straw yellow colour. Its intense bouquet ranges from hints of yellow fruit (green apple and peach) to floral notes of elderflower and nuances of aromatic herbs.  On the palate it is fresh with...

The Olive Groves

In the 13 hectares of olive groves on the Estate, we cultivate 4 cultivars that are native to Western Sicily: Nocellara, Cerasuola, Biancolilla and Pidicuddara. These varieties make up the blend of Milleanni, an oil produced with the best technologies of cold extraction and malaxing in a controlled atmosphere that keep the aromatic components of the fruit intact.

Find out about Milleanni
Come and visit us in Contessa Entellina

Guided tours, professional tastings and refined combinations with specialties of Mediterranean cuisine await you. Hospitality that you can enjoy during the summer months

Visit the Contessa Entellina Estate
The other estates

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