Sicily

The largest Mediterranean island, separated from the Italian peninsula by the very narrow Messina strait, Sicily is probably among the richest regions in history, art and cultural heritage, a mosaic of colours and contrasts.

According to legend, it was Dionysus (Bacchus) who brought pleasure to mankind, and wine to Sicily.

In the past, Sicily was famous for its Marsala and cheap bulk wines. Over the last 30 years, however, Sicily’s wine culture has changed dramatically and is now considered as one of the best regions.

The Sicilian has the largest vineyard in all of Italy. It is three times the size of the vineyard in New Zealand, larger than vineyard in South Africa and equivalent to the vineyard in Germany.

Donnafugata

Established in 1983 by Giacomo Rallo, the winery is now led by José and Antonio.

Donnafugata boasts vineyards in Contessa Entellina, nestled in the heart of western Sicily, as well as on Pantelleria island, situated between Sicily and Africa.

The 2016 harvest marked a milestone for Donnafugata, fulfilling the aspiration to produce wines in eastern Sicily with the distinguished Etna, Cerasuolo, and Frappato di Vittoria appellations.

The name Donnafugata, meaning ‘lady in flight,’ originates from the novel ‘Il Gattopardo’ and alludes to the tale of a queen who sought sanctuary in what are now the company’s vineyards, a narrative that also inspired the company’s logo.

西西里

The largest Mediterranean island, separated from the Italian peninsula by the very narrow Messina strait, Sicily is probably among the richest regions in history, art and cultural heritage, a mosaic of colours and contrasts.

In the past, Sicily was famous for its cheap bulk wines. Over the last 30 years, however, Sicily’s wine culture has changed dramatically and is now considered as one of the best regions.

The Sicilian has the largest vineyard in all of Italy. It is three times the size of the vineyard in New Zealand, larger than vineyard in South Africa and equivalent to the vineyard in Germany.

Donnafugata

Founded in 1983 by Giacomo Rallo, Donnafugata represents the fourth generation of a family with a 160-year history of producing quality wines. Now, the fifth generation continues this legacy.

The winery boasts 283 hectares in Contessa Entellina, nestled in the heart of western Sicily and 68 hectares on the island of Pantelleria, situated between Sicily and Africa.

Since 2016, Donnafugata has expanded to eastern Sicily, producing wines across 18 hectares in Etna, and 36 hectares in Vittoria.

The name Donnafugata, meaning ‘lady in flight,’ alludes to the tale of a queen who sought sanctuary in what are now the company’s vineyards, a narrative that also inspired the company’s logo.

Tuscany

Tuscany is known for its landscapes, history and artistic legacy. As the birthplace of the Italian Renaissance, the region has an incredible art and architecture heritage.
Tuscany is certainly the most famous of all Italian regions for its wines. Sangiovese reigns in all its forms in the vineyards of Chianti but also Montepulciano and Montalcino.
It is also the land of the Super Tuscan, the Bordeaux blend style that laid the foundation of some of the greatest Italian wines.
As a pairing with these wines, Tuscany cuisine is based on simplicity but high quality and certainly topped with Tuscan olive oil, recognized all over the world.

Querciabella

Established in 1974 by Giuseppe Castiglioni, the Querciabella winery is based in the picturesque Tuscan hills. Today, the estate covers 74 hectares of key Chianti Classico vineyards in the communes of Greve, Panzano, Radda and Gaiole, as well as 32 hectares along the Etruscan coast in Maremma.
Querciabella has practiced organic viticulture since 1988 and has since converted to biodynamic in 2000.
Giuseppe’s son, Sebastiano Coassia Castiglioni is now at the helm. Five of the wines are produced from their vineyard holdings in the Chianti Classico zone, including their flagship – Camartina – a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Sangiovese.

Piedmont

Located, as its name suggests, at the foot of the Alps bordering France and Switzerland, Piedmont is the second largest of Italy’s 20 regions, after Sicily.

Recognized for its industry like Fiat in Turin, Piedmont is also one of the greatest regions in the world in terms of cuisine (don’t forget the white truffles from Alba!) and wine!

With 42 DOC and 17 DOCG, Piedmont has more wine appellations than any other Italian region.

The most recognized grape variety is Nebbiolo named exactly for the arrival of this pre-harvest fog (called “nebbia” in Italian), which prolongs cluster hang time and allows full phenolic balance and ripeness. This grape is responsible for the exalted Piedmont wines of Barbaresco and Barolo, known for their ageability, firm tannins and hallmark aromas of tar and roses. Nebbiolo wines, despite their pale hue, pack a pleasing punch of flavor and structure. Barbaresco tends to be more elegant in style while Barolo is more powerful. Across the Tanaro River, the Roero region, and farther north, the regions of Gattinara and Ghemme, also produce excellent quality Nebbiolo.

Barbera is the most planted grape in Piedmont, beloved for its trademark high acidity, low tannin and juicy red fruit. Dolcetto, Piedmont’s other important red grape, is usually ready within a couple of years of release.

Giuseppe Cortese

From its 4 hectares of vineyards located in the middle of “Rabajà”, an historical cru in the Barbaresco area, Giuseppe Cortese vinifies and produces high quality wines since 1971. The Rabaja’ cru enjoys southwesterly exposure and the very best in terms of microclimate, soil and ripening.
Wines are produced according to winemaking tradition using the latest technology: wines aged in Slavonian oak, wines stored in underground cellars at perfectly suitable temperatures in order to maintain the aroma and taste that characterise top quality products.
Their Chardonnay, Dolcetto and Barbera are grown on vineyards on the opposite hillside of Trifolera, producing wines of great elegance and typical style.