Donnafugata Anthìlia

Sicilia DOC, Sicilia

The classic of Donnafugata appreciated worldwide. The 2021 vintage is characterized by a fresh and fragrant bouquet with fruity and floral notes. A very versatile wine, ideal with fish and vegetarian first and second courses.

Tasting Notes

Anthìlia 2021 has a yellow straw color. The nose offers a fresh and fragrant bouquet with notes of white pulp fruit (peach) combined with hints of wildflowers. In the mouth we find the evident fruity note, refreshed by a pleasant sapidity. The finish has a good persistence.

Perfect when paired with lightly smoked fish, crustaceans, anchovies and first courses, also baked. Excellent with tuna or Caesar salad and spring rolls. Serve in glasses of medium size and height; it can be uncorked at time of serving, excellent at 9–11°C (48- 51°F)

At Contessa Entellina, 615 mm of rain were recorded in the 2021 vintage, a figure slightly below the average* of 645 mm of this area: rainfall was concentrated in winter, particularly in February and March, while spring was dry; in this season the delicate phases of flowering and fruit set took regularly place. At the end of June there was a peak of heat which slowed down the vegetative phase of the plants, which was later compensated by lower temperatures in July. A further heat wave in the first two weeks of August accelerated ripening. The entire vegetative production cycle was accompanied by intense and careful work in the vineyard and thus ended regularly. The quantity of grapes produced is slightly higher than in 2020 which - it must be remembered - was below the average. The quality is fully in line with the company objectives, oriented towards quality productions. *The precipitation data are collected by SIAS, Sicilian Agrometeorological Service; the rainfall recorded from October 1st to September 30th of the following year is taken into account; the average is calculated starting from the 2003 harvest.

Fermentation: in stainless steel, at a temperature of 14-16°C (57-61° F). Ageing in tanks for two months and then at least two months in bottle before release.

Production Zone: South-West Sicily, Contessa Entellina estate and neighboring areas.
Terrains and Climate: altitude from 200 to 600 m a.m.s.l. (656- 1,312 ft); hilly orography; clay loam soils with a sub-alkaline reaction (pH 7.5 to 7.9) rich in nutritive elements (potassium, magnesium, calcium, iron, manganese, zinc) and total limestone from 20 to 35%. Mild winters with little rainfall. Warm, dry, ventilated summers. Substantial differences between day and night-time temperatures.
Vineyard: VSP (Vertical Shoot Positioning) training with spurred cordon pruning, leaving 6 to 10 buds per plant. Density 4,500 - 6,000 plants/hectare (1,822-2,429 an acre), with yields of 8.0 - 9.0 tons/ha (3.2 - 3.6 tons/acre).

Denomination: Sicilia Doc White
Grapes: Lucido (synonym for Catarratto), the predominant variety; the blend is complemented by other autochthonous and international varieties.
Alcohol: 12.52 % vol
Total Acidity: 5.90 g/l
pH: 3.28

A classic Donnafugata wine, the 2020 vintage is characterized by a fresh and fragrant bouquet with fruity and floral notes.  A very versatile wine, ideal with fish and vegetarian first and second courses.

Tasting Notes

Anthilia 2020 has a straw yellow color. The nose presents a fresh and fruity bouquet with notes of white-fleshed fruits (peach) combined with scents of wildflowers. On the palate we find the evident fruity note again, refreshed by agreeable sapidity. It finishes with good persistence.

Perfect when paired with lightly smoked fish, crustaceans, anchovies and first courses, also baked. Excellent with tuna or Caesar salad and spring rolls. Serve in glasses of medium size and height; it can be uncorked at time of serving, excellent at 9–11°C (48- 51°F)

  • DENOMINATION: Sicilia Doc White
  • GRAPES: Lucido (synonym for Catarratto), the predominant variety; the blend is complemented by other autochthonous and international varieties.
  • PRODUCTION ZONE: south-west Sicily, Contessa Entellina estate and neighboring areas.
  • TERRAINS AND CLIMATE: altitude from 200 to 600 m a.m.s.l. (656- 1,312 ft); hilly orography; clay loam soils with a sub-alkaline reaction (pH 7.5 to 7.9) rich in nutritive elements (potassium, magnesium, calcium, iron, manganese, zinc) and total limestone from 20 to 35%. Mild winters with little rainfall. Warm, dry, ventilated summers. Substantial differences between day and night-time temperatures.
  • VINEYARD: VSP (Vertical Shoot Positioning) training with spurred cordon pruning, leaving 6 to 10 buds per plant. Density 4,500 - 6,000 plants/hectare (1,822-2,429 an acre), with yields of 8.0 - 9.0 tons/ha (3.2 - 3.6 tons/acre).
  • VINTAGE: at Contessa Entellina in the heart of western Sicily, the 2020 vintage was less precipitous, with 437 mm of rain compared to the average of 647 mm*. Much of the precipitation was in winter and spring, while the summer was quite dry. The careful management of agronomic practices, from pruning to thinning through to the choice of different harvesting times, ensured that the grapes were healthy and well ripened creating white wines of good aromatic intensity and excellent acid structure. *The precipitation data are collected by SIAS, Sicilian Agrometeorological Service; the rainfall recorded from October 1st to September 30th of the following year is taken into account; the average is calculated starting from the 2003 harvest.
  • HARVESTING: The Lucido (Catarratto) - the predominant variety in the blend - was harvested between the first decade of September.
  • VINIFICATION: Fermentation: in stainless steel, at a temperature of 14-16°C (57-61° F). Ageing in tanks for two months and then at least two months in bottle before release.
  • ANALYTICAL DATA: alcohol 12.54 % vol. - total acidity 5.90 g/l - pH 3.31.

The most enjoyed Donnafugata wine in the world, the 2018 vintage is characterized by a fresh and fragrant bouquet with fruity and floral notes.  A very versatile wine, ideal with fish and vegetarian first and second courses.

Tasting Notes

Anthilia 2019 has a straw yellow color. The nose presents a fresh and fruity bouquet with notes of white-fleshed fruits (peach) combined with scents of wildflowers. On the palate we find the evident fruity note again, refreshed by agreeable sapidity. It finishes with good persistence.

Perfect when paired with lightly smoked fish, crustaceans, anchovies and first courses, also baked. Excellent with tuna or Caesar salad and spring rolls. Serve in glasses of medium size and height; it can be uncorked at time of serving, excellent at 9–11°C (48- 51°F)

  • DENOMINATION: Sicilia Doc White
  • GRAPES: Lucido (synonym for Catarratto), the predominant variety; the blend is complemented by other autochthonous and international varieties.
  • PRODUCTION ZONE: south-west Sicily, Contessa Entellina estate and neighboring areas.
  • TERRAINS AND CLIMATE: altitude from 200 to 600 m a.m.s.l. (656- 1,312 ft); hilly orography; clay loam soils with a sub-alkaline reaction (pH 7.5 to 7.9) rich in nutritive elements (potassium, magnesium, calcium, iron, manganese, zinc) and total limestone from 20 to 35%. Mild winters with little rainfall. Warm, dry, ventilated summers. Substantial differences between day and night-time temperatures.
  • VINEYARD: VSP (Vertical Shoot Positioning) training with spurred cordon pruning, leaving 6 to 10 buds per plant. Density 4,500 - 6,000 plants/hectare (1,822-2,429 an acre), with yields of 8.0 - 9.0 tons/ha (3.2 - 3.6 tons/acre).
  • VINTAGE: at Contessa Entellina in the heart of western Sicily, the 2019 vintage was less precipitous, with 546 mm of rain compared to the average of 660 mm*. Much of the precipitation was in winter and spring, while the summer was quite dry. The careful management of agronomic practices, from pruning to thinning through to the choice of different harvesting times, ensured that the grapes were healthy and well ripened. The white wines of 2019 are particularly fragrant and have an excellent acid structure. *The precipitation data are collected by SIAS, Sicilian Agrometeorological Service; the rainfall recorded from October 1st to September 30th of the following year is taken into account; the average is calculated starting from the 2003 harvest.
  • HARVESTING: The Lucido (Catarratto) - the predominant variety in the blend - was harvested between the first decade and second decade of September.
  • VINIFICATION: Fermentation: in stainless steel, at a temperature of 14-16°C (57-61° F). Ageing in tanks for two months and then at least two months in bottle before release. 
  • ANALYTICAL DATA: alcohol 12.44 % vol. - total acidity 6.00 g/l - pH 3.30

The most enjoyed Donnafugata wine in the world, the 2018 vintage is characterized by a fresh and fragrant bouquet with fruity and floral notes.  A very versatile wine, ideal with fish and vegetarian first and second courses.

Tasting Notes

Anthilia 2018 has a straw yellow color. The nose presents a fresh and fruity bouquet with notes of white-fleshed fruits (apple) combined with scents of wildflowers. On the palate we find the evident fruity note again, refreshed by agreeable sapidity. It finishes with good persistence.

Perfect when paired with lightly smoked fish, crustaceans, anchovies and first courses, also baked. Excellent with tuna or Caesar salad and spring rolls. Serve in glasses of medium size and height; it can be uncorked at time of serving, excellent at 9–11°C (48- 51°F)

  • DENOMINATION: Sicilia Doc White
  • GRAPES: Lucido (synonym for Catarratto), the predominant variety; the blend is complemented by other autochthonous and international varieties.
  • PRODUCTION ZONE: south-west Sicily, Contessa Entellina estate and neighboring areas.
  • TERRAINS: altitude from 200 to 600 m a.m.s.l. (656- 1,312 ft); hilly orography; clay loam soils with a sub-alkaline reaction (pH 7.5 to 7.9) rich in nutritive elements (potassium, magnesium, calcium, iron, manganese, zinc) and total limestone from 20 to 35%.
  • VINEYARD: VSP (Vertical Shoot Positioning) training with spurred cordon pruning, leaving 6 to 10 buds per plant. Density 4,500 - 6,000 plants/hectare (1,822-2,429 an acre), with yields of 8.0 - 9.0 tons/ha (3.2 - 3.6 tons/acres)
  • VINTAGE: in Contessa Entellina after two little rainy years, in 2018 743 mm of rainfall were recorded, a figure that is above the average * (667 mm) of this territory. Most of the rainfall was distributed in spring; only in some plots there have been heavy precipitations in the summer. The integrated management of agronomic practices, from pruning to thinning to the choice of different harvesting moments, inspired by an eco-sustainable viticulture, has allowed us to have healthy and well-ripened grapes. The harvest was thus in line with the company quality objectives that are oriented to high quality productions. * (precipitation average calculated from the 2003 harvest and measured by SIAS, Sicilian Agrometeorological Service)
  • HARVESTING: The Lucido - the predominant variety in the blend - was harvested during the first decade of September.
  • VINIFICATION: Fermentation: in stainless steel, at a temperature of 14-16°C (57-61° F). Ageing in tanks for two months and then at least two months in bottle before release.
  • ANALYTICAL DATA: alcohol 12.01 % vol. - total acidity 6.26 g/l - pH 3.35

The most enjoyed Donnafugata wine in the world, the 2017 vintage is characterized by a fresh and fragrant bouquet with notes of fruit and aromatic herbs. A very versatile wine, ideal with fish and vegetarian first and second courses.

Tasting Notes

Anthìlia 2017 has a straw yellow color. The nose presents a fresh and fruity bouquet with notes of white-fleshed fruits (peach) combined with scents of aromatic herbs. On the palate we find the evident fruity note again, refreshed by agreeable sapidity. It finishes with good persistence.

Perfect when paired with lightly smoked fish, crustaceans, anchovies and first courses, also baked. Excellent with tuna salad, aubergine rolls and stuffed mussels.

  • GRAPES: Catarratto, the predominant variety; the blend is complemented by other autochthonous and international varieties.
  • PRODUCTION ZONE: southwest Sicily, Contessa Entellina estate and neighboring areas.
  • TERRAINS: altitude from 200 to 600 m a.m.s.l. (656- 1,312 ft); hilly orography; clay loam soils with a sub-alkaline reaction (pH 7.5 to 7.9) rich in nutritive elements (potassium, magnesium, calcium, iron, manganese, zinc) and total limestone from 20 to 35%.
  • VINEYARD: VSP (Vertical Shoot Positioning) training with spurred cordon pruning, leaving 6 to 10 buds per plant. Density 4,500 - 6,000 plants/hectare (1,822-2,429 an acre), with yields of 8.0 - 9.0 tons/ha (3.2 - 3.6 tons/acres)
  • VINTAGE 2017: The 2017 vintage at Donnafugata has so far been characterized by less rainfall than average. Since rainfall was mainly concentrated in autumn and winter, during the summer months of June and July, we intervened with emergency irrigation. Thus the vineyards were able to complete the vegetation-production cycle in a regular manner. Regarding temperatures, between July and August, values were higher than seasonal averages and this resulted in the ripening of all the varieties cultivated in the countryside around Contessa Entellina 1-2 weeks earlier than usual. Despite the maximum temperature peaks, the good diurnal temperature range recorded among these hills has given rise to healthy grapes with good aromatic and phenolic ripeness.
  • HARVESTING: The Catarratto - the predominant variety in the blend - was harvested during the first decade of September.
  • VINIFICATION: Fermentation: in stainless steel, at a temperature of 14-16°C (57-61° F). Ageing in tanks for two months and then at least two months in bottle before release.
  • ANALYTICAL DATA: alcohol 12.35 % vol. - total acidity 5.9 g/l - pH 3.29

  • 2022-07-25

    91

    points

    James Suckling, July 2022

    " Fresh peach, melon, lemon and apricot stone on the nose. Juicy and fruit-forward, with medium body and a fleshy, tropical finish. Sustainable. Drink now."

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  • 2022-07-01

    88

    points

    Vinous, July 2022

    "The 2021 Bianco Anthilia is sweetly scented with notes of green melon, minty herbs and almond paste. It soothes with silky textures, as a tantalizing burst of citrus and saline-tinged acids add energy and verve. While a bit short, the 2021 leaves the palate completely refreshed and aching for more. The Anthilia is composed primarily of Lucido (Catarratto), along with other indigenous varieties."

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  • 2021-12-31

    90

    points

    Wine Enthusiast, December 2021

    "Aromas of white spring flowers, wild herbs and white stone fruit waft out of the glass. On the vibrant, savory palate, crisp acidity frames ripe apple, peach and orange zest alongside a vein of saline mineral. "

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  • 2020-12-08

    91

    points

    James Suckling, December 2020

    "Sliced apples, apple blossom, white peaches and wet stones on the nose. It’s medium-bodied and creamy, yet refreshing with fresh and ripe fruit. Crisp acidity and nice tension on the finish. Drink now."

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  • 2019-12-01

    89

    points

    Wine Enthusiast, December 2019

    ""

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  • 2019-10-17

    88+

    points

    Wine Advocate, October 2019

    "Donnafugata's 2018 Sicilia Anthìlia is a Catarratto-based blend with a very pretty and delicate aromatic profile that incorporates elements of white flower, honey, pear and passion fruit. This is a zesty and streamlined white wine (that sees no oak) to drink on easy occasions with light finger foods or bite-sized sushi rolls. Production is large at 830,000 bottles made."

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  • 2019-08-06

    91

    points

    Vinous, August 2019

    "Luminous straw yellow. Fresh, crisp aromas and flavors of white peach, lime and aromatic herbs. Juicy and fresh, with lovely sugar acid balance and sneaky concentration and length. Outstanding Anthìlia that seems to have more stuffing than usual while retaining its trademark easy drinking, uncomplicated style."

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  • 2019-06-18

    92

    points

    James Suckling, June 2019

    "Solid concentration and depth on the nose here, which also manages to be vibrant and focussed. Sliced lemons, apples and apricots are all on offer. The acidity really makes this medium-bodied wine, drawing it out long and keeping it tightly wound all the while. Drink now."

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  • 2019-12-28

    89

    points

    Wine Advocate, December 2019

    "The 2017 Sicilia Anthìlia is mostly Catarratto with some indigenous and international varieties mixed into the blend. This is a very bright and luminous wine that appears to have Sicilian sunbeams locked within. For easy-drinking occasions on the summer porch, backyard or rooftop terrazza, this is your wine. The finish is zesty and clean. One sip happily invites the next"

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  • 2019-08-06

    90

    points

    Vinous, August 2019

    "Bright straw. Intense gooseberry and peach on the nose and in the mouth. Very clean and fresh throughout, closing juicy and long. This is always one of Donnafugata’s most dependable wines; simple and accessible, it rarely lets one down, and makes great, uncomplicated drinking for the money. Recent vintages also strike me as having become more intensely fruity than in the recent past."

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  • 2019-05-06

    89

    points

    Wine & Spirits, May 2019

    "Year's Best Sicilian Wines & Best Buy"

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  • 2018-10-22

    91

    Points

    James Suckling, James Suckling, October 2018

    "This shows dried pineapple, lemon curd and orange blossom. Medium body, a layering of acidity and a flavorful finish. Drink now."

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TRADE & MEDIA ASSETS /////////////////

2019 Donnafugata Anthìlia – 91 points, James Suckling – Shelftalker PDF

2020 Donnafugata Anthìlia – 90 points, Wine Enthusiast – Shelftalker PDF

2021 Donnafugata Anthìlia – 91 points, James Suckling – Shelftalker

Donnafugata Anthìlia – Non-Vintage – New Label

2021 Donnafugata Anthìlia – Tasting Notes

2020 Donnafugata Anthìlia – Back Label

2020 Donnafugata Anthìlia – Tasting Notes

2018 Donnafugata Anthìlia – Accolade Sheet

2019 Donnafugata Anthìlia – Tasting Notes

Donnafugata Anthìlia – New Label – Bottle

2018 Donnafugata Anthìlia – Tasting Notes

2017 Donnafugata Anthìlia – Tasting Notes

Donnafugata Photography – Anthìlia and Sedàra beauty shot – portrait

Donnafugata Photography – Anthìlia and Sedàra beauty shot

Donnafugata Properties – Sicily map

Donnafugata Anthìlia – Non Vintage – Label

Donnafugata Anthìlia – Non Vintage – Bottle

Donnafugata Photography – Contessa Entellina winery

Donnafugata Photography – Rallo family

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