Sicily

Donnafugata: A Masterpiece of Sicilian Art, Culture, and Viticulture Donnafugata is not just a winery; it is a vibrant celebration of Sicily’s soul. Famous for its strikingly artistic labels and high-quality wines that narrate the island’s rich history, the Rallo family has built one of the most recognizable and prestigious Italian wine brands in the global export market. The Story Behind the Name: "The Woman in Flight" The name Donnafugata means "woman in flight." It refers to the story of Queen Maria Carolina, who found refuge in the parts of Sicily where the winery’s vineyards are located today—a tale immortalized in the famous novel The Leopard (Il Gattopardo). This deep connection to Sicilian literature and history is the heartbeat of the brand, turning every bottle into a piece of cultural storytelling. A Map of Excellence: From Marsala to the Volcano Led by José and Antonio Rallo, the family operates five distinct estates, each capturing a different facet of the Mediterranean’s most diverse wine island: Contessa Entellina: The heart of the company, where their most iconic reds and whites are born in the rolling hills of Western Sicily. Pantelleria: A volcanic island between Sicily and Africa, home to the heroic viticulture of Zibibbo grapes and the legendary Ben Ryé. Mount Etna: High-altitude vineyards on the north side of the volcano, producing elegant Etna Rosso and Bianco. Vittoria: The territory of the only Sicilian DOCG, where they produce fresh, floral Frappato and Nero d’Avola. Marsala: The historic family cellars where the wines are aged in underground limestone caves. Why Donnafugata Dominates the Global Market For the GrapeYear community, Donnafugata represents the ultimate synergy between branding and quality. Here is why the brand is a global powerhouse: Iconic Artistic Labels: Donnafugata was a pioneer in using wine as a canvas. Their labels, created in collaboration with artist Stefano Vitale, are world-renowned for their bright colors and feminine imagery, making them instant standouts on any retail shelf or restaurant table. Commitment to Sustainability: Donnafugata is a leader in environmental ethics. They were among the first in Italy to implement carbon footprint certifications and rely heavily on solar energy and "night harvesting" to preserve grape quality and reduce energy consumption. Extreme Viticulture: From the UNESCO-recognized "Alberello Pantesco" (low bush vines) on Pantelleria to the steep volcanic slopes of Etna, Donnafugata excels in difficult, high-reward terrains that produce wines of incredible character. The Portfolio: Timeless Sicilian Icons Mille e una Notte: A "thousand and one nights" of elegance. This is the estate's flagship red—a complex, structured blend (primarily Nero d’Avola) that represents the pinnacle of Sicilian winemaking. Ben Ryé (Passito di Pantelleria): Frequently rated as the best dessert wine in Italy. Made from dried Zibibbo grapes, it offers an explosion of apricot, dried fig, and honey. Anthìlia: One of the most successful Sicilian white wines in the export market, known for its freshness, versatility, and bright Mediterranean personality. Fragore (Etna Rosso): A prestigious single-vineyard Cru from the Contrada Montelaguardia, showcasing the smoky, mineral-driven power of volcanic soil. Experience the Donnafugata Lifestyle Donnafugata is a benchmark for enotourism in Sicily. Their hospitality experiences—ranging from jazz performances in the vineyards to gourmet pairings in the Marsala cellars—allow wine lovers to immerse themselves in a world where wine, music, and art collide.

Planeta: A Journey Through the Soul of Sicily Planeta is not just a winery; it is a visionary map of Sicily. More than any other producer, the Planeta family is credited with leading the "Sicilian Wine Renaissance," transforming the island's reputation from a source of bulk wine into a world-class destination for artisanal excellence and diverse terroirs. A Visionary Heritage of 17 Generations While the Planeta family has been deeply rooted in Sicilian agriculture for 17 generations, the modern winery was born in the mid-1990s. Alessio, Francesca, and Santi Planeta set out to explore the untapped potential of their ancestral lands, moving away from high-volume production to focus on boutique, site-specific viticulture. Today, Planeta operates six distinct wine estates across Sicily, each carefully chosen to match specific grape varieties with their ideal environment—a philosophy they call "A Journey Through Sicily." The Geography of Flavor: Six Iconic Estates Planeta’s strength lies in its incredible geographical diversity. By establishing wineries in the island's most prestigious corners, they offer a complete sensory tour of the Mediterranean's largest island: Menfi (Ulmo & Dispensa): The birthplace of Planeta. Here, overlooking the sea, they produce the world-famous Planeta Chardonnay and the aromatic Cometa (Fiano). Vittoria (Dorilli): Home to Cerasuolo di Vittoria, Sicily’s only DOCG. The red sands here produce elegant, floral wines made from Nero d’Avola and Frappato. Noto (Buonivini): Located at the southernmost tip of the island, this estate is dedicated to the ultimate expression of Nero d’Avola and Moscato in white limestone soils. Etna (Feudo di Mezzo): On the black volcanic slopes of Mount Etna, Planeta crafts mineral-driven Nerello Mascalese and Carricante wines that reflect the volcano's unique "mountain viticulture." Capo Milazzo (La Baronia): A spectacular vineyard surrounded by the sea, where they have revived ancient, nearly extinct varieties like Nocera. Why Planeta Redefined Sicilian Wine For the GrapeYear community, Planeta represents the perfect balance between international appeal and local pride. Here is why they are essential for any wine directory: The Chardonnay That Changed Everything: In 1994, Planeta’s Chardonnay was a revelation. It proved that Sicily could produce a rich, world-class white wine capable of competing with the finest of Burgundy, instantly putting the island on the global luxury map. Sustainability & "Planeta Terra": The family is a leader in environmental stewardship. Through their "Planeta Terra" project, they focus on sustainable wine Sicily practices, bio-architecture, and the preservation of local landscapes. Indigenous Revival: While they achieved fame with international grapes, Planeta has spent decades researching and reviving forgotten Sicilian varieties, bringing ancient Mediterranean flavors back to modern palates. The Portfolio: From Menfi to Mount Etna Planeta Chardonnay: The wine that started it all. A rich, buttery, and elegant white with notes of peach, acacia honey, and toasted almonds. Santa Cecilia: The family’s flagship Nero d’Avola from Noto, offering deep fruit, spice, and a velvety texture that ages beautifully. Eruzione 1614 (Etna): Named after the longest volcanic eruption in history, these wines (Etna Rosso and Bianco) are defined by their sharp acidity and smoky, mineral character. Frappato: A light, joyful red with aromas of rose petals and pink pepper, perfect for those seeking a fresh, modern Sicilian style.