On Etna the 2019 vintage was a fresh vintage and rainfalls were very similar (802 mm) to the average* (801 mm); it was a typical vintage on Mt. Etna with rainfall that was recorded in spring and summer, quite usual for vineyards over 700 m. a. s. l.; in particular, some rainfall between mid-August and early September exalted freshness and aroma. On this side of the volcano the following weeks were dry; this climatic factor, together with the choice to carry out some thinning, facilitated the desired ripening and the regular course of the harvest.

*average rainfall recorded in Randazzo since the 2007 harvest; in this territory, the pluviometric data refer to the agricultural year intended from 1 November to 31 October of the following year.

Once the clusters reach the winery they undergo further selection on a vibrating table, followed by grape selection thanks to a latest generation destemmer, able to discard the green and overripe grapes. Fermentation in stainless steel with maceration on the skins for 10-12 days at a temperature of 25 °C. Aging in French oak (second and third passage barriques) for 16 months and then at least 18 months in bottle before release.

Production Zone: Eastern Sicily, northern slope of Mt. Etna, in contrada Montelaguardia in the territory of Randazzo.
Terrains & Climate: Contrada Montelaguardia is located at 730 meters a.s.l. and are the result of the volcanic eruptions of 1614-1624; the composition of the sandy texture lavic soil offers a subacid-neutral reaction, with good organic endowment. Deep, rich in minerals, the lavic soil allows strong root growth. This area of the north of the volcano is characterized by precipitations lower than those of the other slopes of Etna. Summers are cool, characterized by strong temperature changes between day and night. The forest surrounding Montelaguardia mitigates the climatic adversities; these vineyards thus enjoy milder temperatures which favor phenolic maturation and the production of grapes with important and well polymerized tannins. The specific chemical-physical composition of the land and the microclimate are the footprint of Montelaguardia that Donnafugata interprets - in the vineyard and in the cellar - giving life to a cru with a unique personality.
Vineyard: about 4 hectares (10 acres); partly etnean Alberello (bush vine) with 6,900 plants per hectare, 70 plus years old, and partly VSP (Vertical Shoot Positioning) trained with spurred cordon pruning with a density of about 4,500 plants per hectare. The production yield is about 4-5 tons per hectare (1.6-2 tons per acre).

Denomination: Etna Rosso Doc Contrada Montelaguardia
Grapes: Nerello Mascalese
Alcohol 14.24% vol
Total Acidity: 5.7 g/l
pH: 3.49

On Etna the 2018 vintage was cooler and rainier (946 mm) than the average* (801 mm); Rainfall was recorded in spring and summer, quite usual for vineyards over 700 m. a. s. l.; in particular, some rainfall between mid-August and early September exalted freshness and aroma. On this side of the volcano the following weeks were dry; this climatic factor, together with the choice to carry out some thinning, facilitated the desired ripening and the regular course of the harvest. The red wines are very elegant and with an extremely fine and with well-integrated tannins.

*average rainfall recorded in Randazzo since the 2007 harvest; in this territory, the pluviometric data refer to the agricultural year intended from 1 November to 31 October of the following year.

Once the clusters reach the winery they undergo further selection on a vibrating table, followed by grape selection thanks to a latest generation destemmer, able to discard the green and overripe grapes. Fermentation in stainless steel with maceration on the skins for 10-12 days at a temperature of 25 °C. Aging in French oak (second and third passage barriques) for 14 months and then at least 18 months in bottle before release.

Production Zone: Eastern Sicily, northern slope of Mt. Etna, in contrada Montelaguardia in the territory of Randazzo.
Terrains & Climate: Contrada Montelaguardia is located at 730 meters a.s.l. and are the result of the volcanic eruptions of 1614-1624; the composition of the sandy texture lavic soil offers a subacid-neutral reaction, with good organic endowment. Deep, rich in minerals, the lavic soil allows strong root growth. This area of the north of the volcano is characterized by precipitations lower than those of the other slopes of Etna. Summers are cool, characterized by strong temperature changes between day and night. The forest surrounding Montelaguardia mitigates the climatic adversities; these vineyards thus enjoy milder temperatures which favor phenolic maturation and the production of grapes with important and well polymerized tannins. The specific chemical-physical composition of the land and the microclimate are the footprint of Montelaguardia that Donnafugata interprets - in the vineyard and in the cellar - giving life to a cru with a unique personality.
Vineyard: about 4 hectares (10 acres); partly etnean Alberello (bush vine) with 6,900 plants per hectare, 70 plus years old, and partly VSP (Vertical Shoot Positioning) trained with spurred cordon pruning with a density of about 4,500 plants per hectare. The production yield is about 4-5 tons per hectare (1.6-2 tons per acre).

Denomination: Etna Rosso Doc Contrada Montelaguardia
Grapes: Nerello Mascalese
Alcohol 13.93% vol
Total Acidity: 6.2 g/l
pH: 3.47

An autumn and winter with little rainfall. The 2016 vintage recorded 519 mm of rainfall, below the average* of 799 mm that characterizes the north side of the volcano, between Randazzo and Passopiscaro, where Donnafugata has its vineyards in 5 different districts. This figure did not have significant consequences. In very loose terrains like these volcanic ones, the root system of the grapevine can go deep and capture the moisture it needs. No excessive heat peaks during the summer; some rain in late August certainly helped the vines, allowing them to complete the cycle of a contained and balanced production. The ripening of the grapes was slow and regular, also thanks to the mild temperatures on many days between September and October. Excellent from the qualitative point of view, the 2016 vintage gave wines with intense perfumes and harmonious tannins; wines of particular finesse and harmony. (*AGRICULTURAL YEAR: for Etna/Randazzo it is considered from 1 November to 31 October; RAINFALL: obtained from SIAS, Sicilian Agrometeorological Service, the average has been calculated in Randazzo since 2007.) 

Once the clusters reach the winery they undergo further selection on a vibrating table, followed by grape selection thanks to a latest generation destemmer, able to discard the green and overripe grapes. Fermentation in stainless steel with maceration on the skins for 10-12 days at a temperature of 25 °C. Aging in French oak (second and third passage barriques) for 14 months and then at least 10 months in bottle before release.

TERRITORIES: altitude 750 m a.s.l.; the composition of the sandy texture lavic soil is characterized by a subacid-neutral reaction, with good organic endowment. Deep, rich in minerals, the lavic soil allows strong root growth. VINEYARD: VSP (Vertical Shoot Positioning) training with spurred cordon pruning and a density of about 4,500 plants per hectare or Alberello (low bushy vine) and 6,900 plants per hectare. Crop yield is of 4 - 5 tons/hectare.

DENOMINATION: Etna Rosso DOC - Contrada Montelaguardia. GRAPES: Nerello Mascalese – A black grape variety that gives rise to the prestigious Etna DOC domination in this unique terroir of the volcano. PRODUCTION ZONE: Eastern Sicily, north side of Etna, in Montelaguardia district at Randazzo. ANALYTICAL DATA: alcohol 14.40 % vol. - total acidity 5.7g/l - pH 3.55