CONTESSA ENTELLINA

The altitude of the Contessa Entellina lands ranges from 200 to 500 metres a.s.l.; the orography is hilly; the clay-loam soils with subalkaline pH (7.5 to 7.9) are rich in nutritious elements (potassium, magnesium, calcium, iron, manganese, zinc) with total limestone between 20 and 35%.

These vineyards use Vertical Shoot Positioning training with Guyot spurred cordon pruning, leaving 6 to 10 buds per plant. The density is 4500-6000 plants/hectare with yields that vary from 4000 to 8500 kg/ha (0.8 to 1.7 kg per plant).

The winters are mild, the summers dry and breezy with strong temperature variations between night and day, ideal conditions for the production of healthy, fragrant and perfectly ripe grapes. The average annual rainfall, in the last ten years, is 670 mm.

At Contessa Entellina we grow 19 grape varieties, 7 of which native, in 9 districts that differ in terms of soil, altitude, orientation and microclimatic conditions. An agronomic choice aimed at enhancing the particular qualities of each variety.

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

The epitome of style and elegance, Mille e una Notte, the iconic Donnafugata red, is made from the finest hand-harvested Nero d’Avola, Petit Verdot and Syrah grapes. A charismatic wine that has revolutionised the perception of Sicilian reds.

In 2002 and 2008 we installed two photovoltaic systems (for a total of 68 kW) at Contessa Entellina: this marked the beginning of our search to identify the best solutions in terms of clean energy and the reduction of environmental impact.
UN 2030 Agenda. Goal 7 – Affordable and Clean Energy

We pick Chardonnay grapes when the temperature of the bunches is at its lowest: a choice that enables us to drastically reduce the amount of energy used to cool the grapes while preserving all their aroma.
UN 2030 Agenda. Goal 12 – Responsible consumption and production

We have sought to protect and promote Sicilian biodiversity since 2009 thanks to an experimental vineyard with 19 native grape varieties, including some heritage varieties that have almost completely disappeared.
UN 2030 Agenda. Goal 15 – Life on land

One of Sicily’s oldest white grape varieties. Widely grown across the island, it is used in the production of lots of white wines, often blended with Lucido (Catarratto).
When used alone, it produces a straw-coloured wine with greenish tints, typical fragrances of the grape variety (notes of summer white fruits), a fairly savoury flavour, good alcohol content, balanced acidity and smoothness.

Native grape variety born from the Lucido (Catarratto) and the Zibibbo, the origin of this crossing is not certain but it may have been carried out by Baron Mendola after the middle of the 19th century.

Its grapes are used to make excellent white wines that are ready to drink or suitable for ageing. Its wine is straw-coloured with a good bouquet of herbaceous and floral notes and hints of citrus fruit. On the palate it is savoury with good acidity, balanced smoothness and an excellent flavour structure.

Historic Sicilian grape variety that has been grown on the island since time immemorial. The grapes of the Lucido (also known as the Catarratto) are used in the blends of many Sicilian whites.

The wine is straw yellow in shade with green tints; aromatic profile of particular finesse and intensity, characterised by fruity and floral notes, accompanied by hints of Mediterranean maquis. On the palate it stands out for its good structure, excellent sapidity and minerality, closing with perfect acidity.

King of the Sicilian red grape varieties, it is successfully grown in all of the island’s winegrowing areas, demonstrating excellent interaction with the environment. In the Contessa Entellina area, the wines are brimming with personality. Deep ruby in colour, they have a strong bouquet with fruity, floral and spicy notes, and good flavour structure. Full-bodied with perfect tannin content, balanced acidity and smoothness, altogether harmonious.

One of Sicily’s oldest red grape varieties, Nocera is known for its freshness and alluring fruity component. The red wines are a deep ruby colour with an intense and complex aroma. On the nose they stand out for their floral notes. On the palate they are structured and persistent. The rosés are distinctive for their fragrant nose that smells of flowers and berries. In the mouth they are enveloping – despite their freshness – and have a pleasurably spontaneous juiciness.

French red-skinned variety from Gironda (Bordeaux), today it is one of the most widely grown and popular grapes in the world. The small fruits and thick skins produce very colourful wines with violet tinges and typical notes of blackcurrant and sour cherry. Cabernet Sauvignon has a very good structure and excellent acidity with lots of dense and silky tannins that make it particularly suitable for long ageing in oak barrels. Over time it develops pleasant hints of cedar wood, liquorice and tobacco leaves.

White grape variety originally from Burgundy in France. Today it is grown all over the world thanks to its amazing ability to adapt to different climates and winemaking styles. Drunk when young, it stands out for its finesse with its notes of tropical and citrus fruit. Its delicate aroma and incredible freshness make it suitable for producing Traditional Method sparkling wines. Chardonnay is also suited to vinification and ageing in oak barrels, which elevate its fruity bouquet with elegant hints of nuts, pastry and vanilla.

Red grape variety historically grown in the Rhone region of France. Today it is one of the most popular international grapes, appreciated for its adaptability to warm climates and for the elegance of the wines.

Sicily is the region that has most successfully interpreted this variety, often blending it with Nero d’Avola to obtain smooth and spicy wines. A red colour tending to purple, it is complex on the nose with hints of forest fruits (cherry and sour cherry) and flowers (violet). The warm Mediterranean climate of the Contessa Entellina area accentuates its spicy notes (liquorice). On the palate it is structured with lots of silky tannins.