The Donnafugata "Mille e una Notte" 2019 is a flagship Sicilian red that elegantly showcases the island's depth and complexity. Crafted primarily from Nero d’Avola, the blend is often complemented by small percentages of international varieties like Petit Verdot and Syrah, selected for their ability to bring extra structure and aromatic layers. The 2019 vintage benefited from Sicily’s ample sunshine and cooling breezes, contributing to ripe, concentrated fruit while maintaining lively acidity. Following meticulous hand-harvesting, the wine undergoes fermentation in temperature-controlled stainless steel followed by maturation in French oak barriques, lending further finesse and integrated tannins.
Sicily, famed for its ancient viticultural heritage, offers a climate ideally suited to bold reds. The warm Mediterranean weather, punctuated by sea influences, ensures grapes ripen fully, while volcanic soils — a legacy of Mount Etna’s activity — infuse the wines with unique mineral tension and freshness. Historically, the island has been a crossroads of civilisations, its wines referenced by poets since antiquity, and today’s producers like Donnafugata embrace both innovation and tradition to elevate Sicilian reds to international renown.
Given its powerful profile, Mille e una Notte pairs beautifully with robust dishes. Think of oven-roasted lamb seasoned with rosemary, braised beef, or rich stews featuring Mediterranean vegetables. For a regional touch, serve with Sicilian specialities such as pasta alla Norma or caponata. Its supple yet firm tannic structure also finds harmony with aged cheeses, particularly pecorino or caciocavallo.
To fully appreciate the wine’s aromatic complexity and generous palate, open and decant at least one hour before serving. The ideal tasting temperature is 16-18°C, which allows the layered notes of dark cherry, plum, spice, and subtle balsamic undertones to emerge gracefully. This is a wine built for special occasions, promising memorable moments now or after several more years of careful cellaring.
