"Vigna di Gabri" Sicilia Doc 2017 75 cl Donnafugata

DF VDG

Vigna di Gabri, the cru Gabriella Rallo wanted to create, is characterized by a intense bouquet of fruity and floral scents, combined with delicate hints of Mediterranean herbs. A fine and elegant white with an intriguing personality. DENOMINATION: Sicilia DOC White GRAPES: Ansonica grapes blended with Chardonnay, Viognier, Sauvignon Blanc and Catarratto. PRODUCTION AREA South-western Sicily, Contessa Entellina Estate, vineyard called "Vigna di Gabri".

TERRAINS & CLIMATE: altitude from 200 to 300 m a.m.s.l. (656- 1,312 ft); hilly orography; clay loam soils with a sub-alkaline reaction (pH 7.5 to 7.9) rich in nutritive elements (potassium, magnesium, calcium, iron, manganese, zinc) and total limestone from 20 to 35%. 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, leaving 6 to 8 buds per plant. Density 4,500 - 6,000 plants/hectare (1,822-2,429 an acre), with yields of 6 - 7 tons/ha (2.4 – 2.8 tons an acre).

HARVESTING: The Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Viognier destined for the production of Vigna di Gabri, were harvested during the first and second decade of August, while Ansonica and Catarratto, between the first and second decade of September respectively.

VINIFICATION: Fermentation: in stainless steel, at a temperature of 14-16°C (57-61° F). After the 85% of the wine was aged in cement vats, while 15% was aged, on its noble lees, in second passage French oak barrels for 7 months, then at 5 months in bottle before releasing. 

TASTING NOTES: Vigna di Gabri has a brilliant straw yellow color with green reflections. The bouquet is intense and goes from fruity notes like grapefruit and apple (Golden Delicious) to floral scents (acacia) and hints of Mediterranean herbs. The palate is enlivened by a fresh savory streak. A fine and elegant white, with an intriguing personality and surprising longevity.

AGEING POTENTIAL: 10-12 years.

FOOD & WINE: Seafood pasta, flans, baked fish, try also with roasted porcini mushrooms or delicate meat like escalopes with white wine. Serve it in relatively tall, tulip-shaped goblets of medium size and without bellies; uncork at time of serving; excellent at 10-12°C (50-54°F). 

DIALOGUE WITH ART THE LABEL: "Vigna di Gabri" is not a fantasy name, because the wine bears the name of Gabriella (founder of Donnafugata, with her husband Giacomo), who originally wanted to create it and strongly believed in the full flavored fragrance of Ansonica. The graphics, already renewed on the occasion of the wine’s 25th Anniversary, with the 2017 vintage, pick up and emphasize some elements present in the original illustration by Stefano Vitale: a master-label that tells the link between Gabri and her Cru. The introduction of the Burgundy bottle also wants to enhance the preciousness and elegance of this wine which is one of Donnafugata's most beloved wines.

FIRST VINTAGE: 1987. 

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