Sicilia "Tancredi" 2017 Donnafugata

Tancredi Sicilia Rosso by Donnafugata is vinified with Cabernet Sauvignon and Nero d'Avola grapes; the blend is completed with Tannat grapes and other autochthonous grapes. The grapes, grown in the hinterland of Marsala, on the hills and valleys called Countess Entellina, reach the cellars that are divided into processing areas dedicated to the type of grapes. From the outside, in fact, the reception area is equipped with two separate lines of ammostatura (white and red grapes). The grapes unloaded in the hoppers are destemmed and pressed: the pressed grapes are then cooled by means of a heat exchanger and conveyed to the cellar. The process mechanically retraces what the ancient winemakers used to do by hand. The rearing of the Mediterranean wine-growing areas with a typical espalier requires a spurred cordon pruning technique. The average planting density is about 5,000 vines per hectare, while production hardly reaches 50 quintals per hectare of vines. The soil is mainly clay and medium-textured with mineral sediments. The vinification is started with the harvest of Cabernet Sauvignon, Nero d'Avola and Tannat that take place in September. The grapes are made to vinify in large steel barrels, with maceration on the skins for about 12 days, at a temperature of 26-30°C with malolactic fermentation carried out naturally, the wine passes into new and second-pass French oak barrels, for 12-14 months and then ages in bottle for at least another 18 months.

Tancredi Sicilia Rosso's features

Tancredi of Cantina Donnafugata is an important red wine, of elegant structure and wide olfactory profile in which are evident hints of licorice, cocoa and black cherry with a touch of menthol notes.

Suggested pairings tasting this wine of Donnafugata winery

The Tancredi is absolutely perfect as a background in moments of relaxation, it is an ideal companion while reading a book or listening to music. Also recommended in formal moments such as business lunches. The particular structure of this red wine of Donnafugata is ample and wrapping, of remarkable persistence, it goes well with red meats, big roasts, kid and lamb. Try also on porcini mushrooms and mature cheeses. It also highlights the excellent fusion between these grapes, Cabernet Sauvignon gives great finesse and longevity, with tannins that are important and velvety, while Nero d'Avola gives the nose the fruity cherry and marasca cherry as well as the persistent spicy. Tannat, finally, strengthens the fruity component and brings a great polyphenolic structure rich in noble tannins: an ideal vine for wines from long aging. It should be served in large glasses at a temperature of 18ºC.