Brut (2021) - Donnafugata

In the heart of Sicily, among the sun-kissed hills of the province of Trapani, the Donnafugata winery has created a Brut that tells a story of innovation and tradition. Founded by the Rallo family, Donnafugata has always sought to express the soul of Sicily through its wines. One fascinating detail concerns the name of the winery itself: "Donnafugata" means "woman in flight" and takes its inspiration from the novel "Il Gattopardo" by Giuseppe Tomasi di Lampedusa, in which a fleeing queen found refuge in these very lands.

Brut (2021) - Donnafugata

Brut (2021) - Donnafugata

Type: Sparkling wine or Champagne

Area: Italy, Sicily, Trapani province

Appellation: Sicilia DOC

Grape variety: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir

Vintage: 2021

Winery: Donnafugata

Alcohol: 12.5%

The appellation: Sicilia DOC

Sicilia DOC is one of the most important and representative appellations in the Italian wine scene. Established in 2011, this DOC covers the whole of Sicily and includes a wide range of white, rosé and red wines, made both from native grape varieties, such as Nero d’Avola, Grillo, Catarratto and Frappato, and from international varieties, such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Chardonnay.

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Who makes it: Donnafugata

Founded in 1983, Donnafugata is one of the most prestigious wineries in Sicily, able to combine tradition, innovation and art in the world of wine. With vineyards spread between Marsala, Contessa Entellina, Pantelleria, Etna and Vittoria, Donnafugata interprets the island’s various terroirs with elegance, championing native and international grape varieties. Every wine is the result of careful grape selection and attentive winemaking, which brings out the identity and richness of Sicily.

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The vine of Brut

Chardonnay

Chardonnay is one of the most widely planted and prestigious white grape varieties in the world, originally from Burgundy, in France. Thanks to its great adaptability to different climates and soils, Chardonnay is grown in many wine regions, expressing unique characteristics according to the terroir and the winemaking style.

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Pinot Noir

Pinot Noir is one of the most fascinating and noble black grape varieties in the world. Famous for its elegance and complexity, this variety is at the heart of some of the most prestigious wines on the globe, particularly the wines of Burgundy and Champagne AOC. Its versatility and its ability to reflect the terroir make it one of the varieties most loved by winemakers and wine lovers alike.

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Brut: the Province of Trapani area

Trapani province

Trapani province

The province of Trapani, in the western part of Sicily, is one of the most important and productive wine areas in Italy. This territory, stretching between the sea, the hills and the mountains, is marked by a great variety of terroirs, with clay, limestone and sandy soils, ideal for growing vines. The province is famous for its ancient winemaking tradition and for the production of quality wines, among which the celebrated Marsala stands out, the fortified wine that made Trapani famous internationally, along with a wide range of white, red and sweet wines.

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Climate: Mediterranean

Altitude: Low to mid altitude (200–500 m above sea level)

Soil: Limestone / chalk

Geographical setting: Coast

Profile of Brut

Primary aromas: Citrus, White flowers

Secondary aromas: Bread crust, almonds

Tertiary aromas: Honey

Tasting notes: An elegant sparkling wine with notes of fresh fruit and a pleasant effervescence.

Sulphitesyes
BodyCreamy
AcidityMedium-high
TanninAbsent
SweetnessBrut
FinishMedia
ColourGolden yellow
ClarityClear

Winemaking methods used for Brut

Metodo Classico

The Metodo Classico is a refined sparkling winemaking technique used to produce high-quality sparkling wines. This method, also known as méthode champenoise (when speaking of Champagne), involves a second fermentation in the bottle, which gives the wine its characteristic fine, persistent bubbles, together with complex aromas and an elegant structure.

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Ageing methods used for Brut

In bottle (over 36 months)

Ageing in bottle for more than 36 months is a practice reserved for wines for long laying down, designed for those seeking depth, finesse and maximum aromatic development. During this extended period, the wine matures sheltered from light and oxygen, letting time do its work in silence. This stage is particularly important for vintage wines, riservas and great classics, which in this way reach a perfect balance between intensity, elegance and sensory complexity.

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Time on the lees for Brut

  • Medium (7–18 months)