"Lighea" Zibibbo Sicilia Doc 2023 75 cl Donnafugata

DF LIG

An unforgettable aromatic Mediterranean, the fruit of the heroic viticulture, Lighea is characterized by an ample and rich bouquet combined with a fresh mineral vein.

DENOMINATION: Sicilia Doc Zibibbo

GRAPES: Zibibbo (Muscat of Alexandria)

PRODUCTION ZONE: grapes produced on the island of Pantelleria (South-western Sicily); Khamma, Mulini, Mueggen, Ghirlanda, Serraglia, Gibbiuna, Barone, Bukkuram, Favarotta, Monastero

TERRAINS & CLIMATE: altitude from 20 to 400 m a.m.s.l.; Orography: complex, typically volcanic, with terrains mainly cultivated on terraces. Soils: sandy, originating from lava, subacid or neutral reaction; deep and fertile, well-endowed with minerals. Mild, dry winters. Windy summers.

VINEYARD: the vines are cultivated, in hollows, low alberello pantesco. The training method “alberello pantesco” has been inscribed on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity as a “creative and sustainable” practice. Planting density from 2,500 to 3,600 plants/ha with yields of 5-6 tons/ha (2-2.4 tons/acre).

HARVESTING: The Zibibbo harvest at Donnafugata traditionally continues for about 4 weeks, in the 14 districts where the winery has its vineyards that differ for altitude, exposure, proximity to or distance from the sea; the harvest began on August 19 and ended on September 12.

VINIFICATION: fermentation took place in stainless steel at a temperature of 14-16°C. Aging in tanks for two months and at least three months in bottle before release. 

TASTING NOTES: Lighea has a bright straw yellow color with greenish reflections. The nose offers a rich and fragrant bouquet where the typical notes of orange blossom merge with hints of citrus (cedar and bergamot) and exotic fruit (lychee). The fruity and floral notes return in the mouth accompanied by a marked freshness, with good persistence and a pleasant mineral finish.

AGING POTENTIAL: to be enjoyed within 4-5 years.

FOOD & WINE: recommended with all types of oily fish, baked pasta in white sauce, fried fish. Serve it in tulip-shaped goblets of medium size; uncork at time of serving; excellent at 9-11°C (48-52° F).

DIALOGUE WITH ART THE LABEL: "From the disheveled tresses the color of the sun, seawater flowed over the green, wide-open eyes." Thus Giuseppe Tomasi di Lampedusa describes Lighea, the bewitching siren and principal figure in his novel. She has inspired the creation of a complex and innovative wine and an equally original label. "It was not easy to print this label", Gabriella (founder of Donnafugata, with her husband Giacomo) recalled, "and preserve the thousand shadings of colors of the island, painted in the original drawing."

FIRST VINTAGE: 1990. 

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