Angheli Donnafugata

Denomination: Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon Sicilia Doc

Grapes: Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon

Production zone: South-western Sicily, territory of Casale Bianco (Contessa Entellina)

Altitude: from 200 to 400 m a.m.s.l.

Terrains: clay loam soils with a sub-alkaline reaction rich in nutritive elements 

Climate: Mild winters with little rainfall. Warm, dry, ventilated summers. Substantial differences between day and night-time temperatures

Vineyard: VSP (Vertical Shoot Positioning) training with spurred cordon pruning

Planting density: about 5,000 plants per hectare

Yields: 7 - 8 tons/ha

Harvesting: manual harvesting of grapes into crates with careful selection of the grapes in the vineyard. The harvest of the grapes destined for Angheli began in the second half of August with the Merlot and ended on September 19th with the picking of the Cabernet Sauvignon

Vinification: A further selection is carried out in the cellar, thanks to a latest generation destemmer, able to discard the green and overripe berries that might still be on the clusters. Fermentation in stainless steel and maceration on the skins for about 11-13 days at a temperature of 28°C

Aging: in French oak barriques (second passage) for about 12 months and at least 24 months in bottle

Alcoholic content: 14% vol.

Color: intense ruby red color

Nose: fragrant bouquet of red fruit (plum and black cherry) combined with elegant spicy hints (cinnamon and nutmeg) and delicate hints of tobacco

Palate: it is enveloping with soft tannins and excellent persistence. A red with an international flavor with a great balance between structure and pleasantness

Longevity: over 8 years

Food & Wine: perfect with cured meat, meat balls in tomato sauce, grilled red meats, roasted chicken and duck; delicious with lamb chops

Serving method: in large glasses with a wide bowl. It can be uncorked at time of serving, otherwise a couple of hours in advance. Excellent at 16-18°C

First vintage: 1997

Bottled at the origin by DONNAFUGATA S.r.l. Agricultural Society - Marsala - Italy