Donnafugata Lighea

Zibibbo Sicilia DOC, Sicilia

An unforgettable aromatic Mediterranean white, the fruit of the heroic viticulture of Pantelleria, Lighea 2020 is characterized by an ample and rich bouquet combined with a fresh mineral vein.

Tasting Notes

Lighea 2020 has a brilliant straw yellow color with greenish reflections. The nose offers a rich and fragrant bouquet with classic notes of orange blossom combined with citrus scents (citron and bergamot) and exotic fruit (lychees). The fruity and flowery notes return on the palate accompanied by marked freshness, with good persistence and a pleasant mineral finish.

Recommended with all types of oily fish, baked pasta in white sauce, fried fish. Serve it in tulip-shaped goblets of medium size; uncork at time of serving; excellent at 9-11°C (48-52° F).

  • DENOMINATION: Sicilia Doc Zibibbo
  • GRAPES: Zibibbo (Muscat of Alexandria)
  • PRODUCTION ZONE: island of Pantelleria (South-western Sicily); Khamma, Mulini, Mueggen, Ghirlanda, Serraglia, Gibbiuna, Barone, Bukkuram, Favarotta, Monastero
  • TERRAINS: altitude from 20 to 400 m a.m.s.l.; Orography: complex, typically volcanic, with terrains mainly cultivated on terraces. Soils: sandy, originating from lava, sub-acid or neutral reaction; deep and fertile, well-endowed with minerals.
  • VINEYARD: the vines are cultivated, in hollows, low alberello pantesco. The low bush vine of Pantelleria has been inscribed on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity as a “creative and sustainable” practice. Planting density from 2,500 to 3,600 plants/ha with yields of 5-6 tons/ha (2-2.4 tons per acres).
  • VINTAGE: In Pantelleria, where Donnafugata cultivates 68 hectares of vineyards located in 14 different districts, the 2020 vintage was slightly rainier, recording 433 mm of precipitation compared to the average of 462 mm*. The quantity of Zibibbo produced is in line with average of production of Donnafugata in Sicily. The wines of the 2020 vintage stand out for their aromatic intensity and excellent freshness. * The rainfall recorded from 1 October to 30 September of the following year is taken into account; the average is calculated starting from the 2013 harvest.
  • HARVESTING: The Zibibbo harvest at Donnafugata traditionally continues for about 4 weeks, in he 14 districts where the winery has its vineyards that differ for altitude, exposure, proximity to or distance from the sea; the harvest began on August 17th and ended on September 9th. VINIFICATION: fermentation took place in stainless steel at a temperature of 14-16°C. Aging in tanks for two months and at least three months in bottle before release.
  • ANALYSIS DATA: alcohol 12.25% ABV, total acidity 5.7 g/l, pH 3.33.

An unforgettable aromatic Mediterranean white, the fruit of the heroic viticulture of Pantelleria, Lighea 2019 is characterized by an ample and rich bouquet combined with a fresh mineral vein.

Tasting Notes

Lighea 2019 has a brilliant straw yellow color with greenish reflections. The nose offers a rich and fragrant bouquet with classic notes of orange blossom combined with citrus scents (citron and bergamot) and exotic fruit (lychees). The fruity and flowery notes return on the palate accompanied by marked freshness, with good persistence and a pleasant mineral finish.

Recommended with all types of oily fish, baked pasta in white sauce, fried fish. Serve it in tulip-shaped goblets of medium size; uncork at time of serving; excellent at 9-11°C (48-52° F).

  • DENOMINATION: Sicilia Doc Zibibbo
  • GRAPES: Zibibbo (Muscat of Alexandria)
  • PRODUCTION ZONE: island of Pantelleria (South-western Sicily); Khamma, Mulini, Mueggen, Ghirlanda, Serraglia, Gibbiuna, Barone, Bukkuram, Favarotta, Monastero
  • TERRAINS: altitude from 20 to 400 m a.m.s.l.; Orography: complex, typically volcanic, with terrains mainly cultivated on terraces. Soils: sandy, originating from lava, sub-acid or neutral reaction; deep and fertile, well-endowed with minerals.
  • VINEYARD: the vines are cultivated, in hollows, low alberello pantesco. The low bush vine of Pantelleria has been inscribed on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity as a “creative and sustainable” practice. Planting density from 2,500 to 3,600 plants/ha with yields of 5-6 tons/ha (2-2.4 tons per acres).
  • VINTAGE: In Pantelleria, where Donnafugata cultivates 68 hectares of vineyards located in 14 different districts, the 2019 vintage was slightly rainier, recording 505 mm of precipitation compared to the average of 466 mm*. The quantity of Zibibbo produced was lower than in the last two years. This result was influenced by the particularly cold and windy spring. * The rainfall recorded from 1 October to 30 September of the following year is taken into account; the average is calculated starting from the 2013 harvest.
  • HARVESTING: The Zibibbo harvest at Donnafugata traditionally continues for about 4 weeks, in the 14 districts where the winery has its vineyards that differ for altitude, exposure, proximity to or distance from the sea; the harvest began on August 19 and ended on September 12.
  • VINIFICATION: fermentation took place in stainless steel at a temperature of 14-16°C. Aging in tanks for two months and at least three months in bottle before release.
  • ANALYSIS DATA: alcohol 12.45% ABV, total acidity 5.6 g/l, pH 3.30.

An unforgettable aromatic Mediterranean white, the fruit of the heroic viticulture of Pantelleria, Lighea 2018 is characterized by an ample and rich bouquet combined with a fresh mineral vein.

Tasting Notes

Lighea 2018 has a brilliant straw yellow color with greenish reflections. The nose offers a rich and fragrant bouquet with classic notes of orange blossom combined with citrus scents (citron and bergamot) and exotic fruit (lychees). The fruity and flowery notes return on the palate accompanied by marked freshness, with good persistence and a pleasant mineral finish.

Recommended with all types of oily fish, baked pasta in white sauce, fried fish. Serve it in tulip-shaped goblets of medium size; uncork at time of serving; excellent at 9-11°C (48-52° F).

  • DENOMINATION: Sicilia Doc Zibibbo
  • GRAPES: Zibibbo (Muscat of Alexandria)
  • PRODUCTION ZONE: island of Pantelleria (South-western Sicily); Khamma, Mulini, Mueggen, Ghirlanda, Serraglia, Gibbiuna, Barone, Bukkuram, Favarotta, Monastero
  • TERRAINS: altitude from 20 to 400 m a.m.s.l.; Orography: complex, typically volcanic, with terrains mainly cultivated on terraces. Soils: sandy, originating from lava, sub-acid or neutral reaction; deep and fertile, well-endowed with minerals.
  • VINEYARD: the vines are cultivated, in hollows, low alberello pantesco. The low bush vine of Pantelleria has been inscribed on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity as a “creative and sustainable” practice. Planting density from 2,500 to 3,600 plants/ha with yields of 5-6 tons/ha (2-2.4 tons per acres).
  • VINTAGE: after two rather dry vintages, 2018 was a vintage with more rainfall, with 591 mm* of rainfall compared to the average of 460 mm**. The quantity of grapes produced was slightly higher than the last two vintages; cluster thinning was performed in some vineyards in order to achieve the qualitative objectives of the winery.*The rainfall data for each vintage are calculated from 1 October to 30 September of the following year; ** The average is calculated starting from the 2013 harvest
  • HARVESTING: The Zibibbo harvest at Donnafugata traditionally continues for about 4 weeks, in the 14 districts where the winery has its vineyards that differ for altitude, exposure, proximity to or distance from the sea; this year it began on 17 August and concluded on 6 September.
  • VINIFICATION: fermentation took place in stainless steel at a temperature of 14-16°C. Aging in tanks for two months and at least three months in bottle before release.
  • ANALYSIS DATA: alcohol 12.54% ABV, total acidity 5.6 g/l, pH 3.26

An unforgettable aromatic Mediterranean white, the fruit of the heroic viticulture of Pantelleria, Lighea 2017 is characterized by an ample and rich bouquet combined with a fresh mineral vein.

Tasting Notes

Lighea 2017 has a brilliant straw yellow color with greenish reflections. The nose offers a rich and fragrant bouquet with classic notes of orange blossom combined with citrusy scents (citron, bergamot) and nuances of Mediterranean scrub. The nose is perfectly reflected on the palate, enlivened by a fresh mineral vein.

Recommended with all types of oily fish, baked pasta in white sauce, fried fish.

  • DENOMINATION: Sicilia Doc Zibibbo
  • GRAPES: Zibibbo (Muscat of Alexandria)
  • PRODUCTION ZONE: island of Pantelleria (South-western Sicily); Khamma, Mulini, Mueggen, Ghirlanda, Serraglia, Gibbiuna, Barone, Bukkuram, Favarotta, Monastero
  • TERRAINS: altitude from 20 to 400 m a.m.s.l.; Orography: complex, typically volcanic, with terrains mainly cultivated on terraces. Soils: sandy, originating from lava, sub-acid or neutral reaction; deep and fertile, well-endowed with minerals.
  • VINEYARD: the vines are cultivated, in hollows, low alberello pantesco. The low bush vine of Pantelleria has been inscribed on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity as a “creative and sustainable” practice. Planting density from 2,500 to 3,600 plants/ha with yields of 5- 6- tons/ha (2 – 2.4 tons per acres).
  • VINTAGE 2017: A vintage with little rainfall compared to the average. This resulted in the need, in some vineyards, to perform cluster thinning in order to balance the crop load with soil water availability, to favor optimal ripening of grapes. On Pantelleria, in quantitative terms, a drop of about 20% compared to the company's average of recent vintages. Absolute satisfaction with the quality achieved with all the interpretations of Zibibbo: the dry one, Lighea, the Moscato Kabir and the Passito Ben Ryé.
  • HARVESTING: The Zibibbo harvest at Donnafugata traditionally continues for about 4 weeks, in the 14 districts where the company has its vineyards that differ in altitude, exposure, proximity to or distance from the sea; this year, instead, – due to early ripening – the harvest was shorter, starting on 17/8 and concluding on 4 September.
  • VINIFICATION: fermentation took place in stainless steel at a temperature of 14-16°C. Aging in tanks for two months and at least three months in bottle before release.
  • ANALYSIS DATA: alcohol 12.50% ABV, total acidity 5.6 g/l, pH 3.20

Tasting Notes

Lighea 2016 has a brilliant straw yellow color with greenish reflections. The nose offers a rich and fragrant bouquet with classic notes of orange blossom combined with scents of peaches and Mediterranean scrub. The nose is perfectly reflected on the palate, enlivened by a fresh mineral vein.

Perfect as an aperitif or a match with all types of fish, especially fried or grilled fish dishes.

  • GRAPES: Zibibbo (Muscat of Alexandria)
  • PRODUCTION ZONE: island of Pantelleria (South-western Sicily); Khamma, Mulini, Mueggen, Ghirlanda, Serraglia, Gibbiuna, Barone, Bukkuram, Favarotta, Monastero
  • TERRAINS: altitude from 20 to 400 m a.m.s.l.; Orography: complex, typically volcanic, with terrains mainly cultivated on terraces. Soils: sandy, originating from lava, sub-acid or neutral reaction; deep and fertile, well-endowed with minerals.
  • VINEYARD: the vines are cultivated, in hollows, low alberello pantesco. The low bush vine of Pantelleria has been inscribed on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity as a “creative and sustainable” practice. Planting density from 2,500 to 3,600 plants/ha with yields of 5- 6- tons/ha (2 – 2.4 tons per acres).
  • VINTAGE 2016: 2016 was a vintage with little rainfall, but not overly hot. To compensate for the low rainfall and help the vineyards reach optimal vegetation-production balance, more than 30% cluster thinning was performed. This allowed us to produce healthy and well-ripened grapes in line with the qualitative objectives of the winery.
  • HARVESTING: The harvest of the grapes for the production of Lighea that come from the vineyards located in the cooler districts began on 27 August and ended on 24 September.
  • VINIFICATION: fermentation took place in stainless steel at a temperature of 14-16°C. Aging in tanks for two months and three months in bottle before release.
  • ANALYSIS DATA: alcohol 12.38%, total acidity 5.7 g/l, pH 3.20

Tasting Notes

Brilliant straw yellow with greenish reflections, Lighea 2015 is characterized by an ample and rich bouquet, we find the typical flowery scents of orange blossom and jasmine enlivened by fruity notes of citrus zest. The nose is perfectly reflected on the palate, enlivenedby a fresh mineral vein.

Recommended with all types of oily fish, baked pasta in white sauce, fried fish. Serve it in tulip-shaped goblets of medium size; uncork at time of serving; excellent at 9-11°C (48-52° F).

  • GRAPES: Zibibbo (Muscat of Alexandria)
  • PRODUCTION ZONE: island of Pantelleria (South-western Sicily); Khamma, Mulini, Mueggen, Ghirlanda, Serraglia, Gibbiuna, Barone, Bukkuram, Favarotta, Monastero
  • TERRAINS: altitude from 20 to 400 m a.m.s.l.; Orography: complex, typically volcanic, with terrains mainly cultivated on terraces. Soils: sandy, originating from lava, sub-acid or neutral reaction; deep and fertile, well-endowed with minerals.
  • VINEYARD: the vines are cultivated, in hollows, low alberello pantesco. The low bush vine of Pantelleria has been inscribed on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity as a “creative and sustainable” practice. Planting density from 2,500 to 3,600 plants/hectare with yields of about 60 quintals/hectare (1.9 kg per plant.)
  • VINTAGE 2015: the climatic trend recorded for the 2015 vintage was fairly normal, with rainfall in line with the average of the last 3 years (501 mm vs 499 mm). Overall, the vintage was very positive, with the quantity and quality of the grapes harvested in line with the company's objectives.
  • HARVESTING: The harvest of the grapes for the production of Lighea that come from the vineyards located in the cooler districts began on 27 August and ended on 24 September.
  • VINIFICATION: fermentation took place in stainless steel at a temperature of 14-16°C. Aging in tanks for two months and three months in bottle before release.
  • ANALYSIS DATA: alcohol 12.48%, total acidity 5.8 g/l, pH 3.22.

  • 89

    points

    Wine Enthusiast, December 2021

    "On of the rare dry wines made with native grape Zibibbo, this has exuberant aromas of white rose, yellow peach and intense citrus. The aromas follow through to the racy palate along with ripe apricot, grapefruit and hints of saline."

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  • 92

    points

    James Suckling, December 2020

    "An aromatic, medium-bodied white with a perfumed nose of roses, honeysuckle, passion fruit and lychees. It’s dry and gently oily with bright acidity, giving structure to layers of tropical fruit and flowers. Honey, ginger and lemon-grass, too. Delicious. Drink now."

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  • 88

    points

    Wine Advocate, October 2019

    "The 2018 Sicilia Lighea is a pure expression of Sicily's beloved Zibibbo grape that is otherwise known as Muscat of Alexandria. This is a dry wine; however, there is just enough of that bright floral intensity to remind you of the fragrant nature of this grape that is often used to make dessert wines such as Passito di Pantelleria. The bouquet delivers jasmine and sweet honeysuckle with some soapy perfume notes at the back. This unoaked wine is crisp, lean and simple in terms of mouthfeel. Some 180,000 bottles were made."

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  • 89

    points

    Wine Enthusiast, December 2019

    ""

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  • 91

    points

    James Suckling, June 2019

    "This is always a fun grape, and here its expresses apricot and apple candy, pear drops and straw. The palate paints a slightly sweet impression, but the crunchy acidity lifts it through. Drink now."

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  • 92

    points

    Vinous, August 2019

    "Vivid straw color. Varietally accurate aromas and flavors of greengage, orange blossom, cinnamon, nutmeg and fresh ginger. Juicy fresh and dense in the mouth with a multifaceted quality and a lingering orange liqueur element to the flavors of green fig and sweet spices. Closes long and brightly saline, with a nice spicy presence. A knockout, classically dry Zibibbo."

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  • 88+

    points

    Wine Advocate, December 2018

    "You absolutely cannot go wrong with a refreshing value white such as this. The 2017 Sicilia Lighea is a pure expression of the Zibibbo grape otherwise known as Muscat of Alexandria. Perfect for appetizers or finger foods, this dry white wine shows fragrant aromas of honey, star jasmine and summer peach. The finish is lean and crisp."

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  • 89

    Points

    Kerin O'Keefe, Wine Enthusiast, June 2018

    "Here's a dry wine made with native grape Zibbo that offers intense aromas of white rose and ripe apricot. The aromas jump over to the vibrant palate along with tangerine rind and bright acidity."

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  • 90

    points

    Vinous, August 2019

    "Luminous straw. Enticing aromas of orange, tangerine nectar, figs and sweet spices with a white floral topnote. Juicy and lively, with a saline undercurrent to the fruit flavors. A very pretty wine, just slightly less concentrated and intense than some other recent, better, vintages, but this is still an outstanding example of a classically rendered Zibibbo that tastes classically dry."

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  • 91

    Points

    James Suckling, James Suckling, October 2018

    "Green apples, freshly squeezed lemon juice, a touch of peach pit and jasmine. Medium body, pretty acidity and a focused finish. Drink now."

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  • 88

    Points

    Alison Napjus, Wine Spectator, June 2017

    "A light-bodied and lively white, with an aromatic overtone of orchard blossom and zesty spice and flavors of kiwifruit, star fruit, pastry cream and grated ginger. Lithe and expressive. Zibibbo (Moscato). Drink now through 2019. 900 cases imported.—A.N."

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  • 92

    Points

    James Suckling, James Suckling, October 2017

    "Unique aromas and flavors of unripe lemon and lemon grass that follow through to a full body, lots of fruit and a fresh, tangy finish. Bright acidity. Drink now."

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  • 92

    Points

    Ian D'Agata, Vinous, September 2017

    "Golden-tinged yellow. Bright raisin, orange flower and sweet spices on the nose. Then clean and fresh, with fresh citrus and floral flavors that are dense yet light on its feet; this tastes almost as if a little Moscato Bianco had made its way in here. Lovely freshness and juiciness on the long finish. (12.5% alcohol)"

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  • 87

    Points

    Alison Napjus, Wine Spectator, January 2016

    "Bright and fruit-forward, offering blood orange and pink grapefruit granita notes, this is dry and tangy, with fresh tarragon, crushed pink peppercorn and Meyer lemon accents on the aromatic finish. Zibibbo. Drink now. 1,300 cases imported."

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  • 88

    Points

    Kerin O'Keefe, Wine Enthusiast, August 2016

    "Made with Zibibbo, this refreshing white offers floral and fruit aromas suggesting white rose and yellow stone fruit. The lively palate tastes of apricot, lemon zest and a hint of aromatic herb alongside bright acidity."

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  • 90+

    points

    Vinous, December 2020

    "Bright medium ruby. More oaky on the nose than the entry-level Cabernet, with chocolate mint and brown spice aromas currently overshadowing cassis and blackberry fruit notes; this struck me as a bit Napa-like. Plush, ripe and spicy on the palate, showing lovely sweetness but also considerable restraint and nicely integrated acidity. Finishes with very good length, the serious, building tannins reaching the front teeth. This will need a year or two to absorb its oak and reveal its inherent strong material, but I'm not sure that it's better than the basic Cabernet, which is a bit juicier, not to mention an excellent value."

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  • 91

    points

    James Suckling, July 2021

    "Blackcurrant, mulberry, incense, sweet tobacco and sandalwood on the nose. It’s full-bodied with firm, chewy tannins. Vibrant and textured on the palate. Structured and grippy with a polished finish. A blend of 91% cabernet sauvignon, 6% malbec, 2% petit verdot and 1% merlot. Try from 2022."

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  • 93

    points

    Wine Enthusiast, December 2020

    "Cellar Selection. Highly regarded StoneTree Vineyard is the dominant fruit source for this wine. Coffee, dried herb and black-cherry aromas lead to a palate that brings a whole lot of seriousness to it. It's rich and dense, full of tannic heft. Give it time to stretch its legs—and drink it at a cool temperature—to see it at its best. Best after 2025."

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  • 91

    points

    James Suckling, March 2022

    "Fresh herbs, blackberries with some cumin and coffee here. A medium-to full-bodied red, packed with juicy and dense tannins. Drink now."

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  • 91

    points

    Wine Advocate, November 2022

    "The clean, varietal and fruit-driven 2020 Estate Malbec mixes grapes from different terroirs and altitudes where they have vineyards: 1,800, 2,300, 2,600 and 3,111 meters! The wine is ripe at 14.9% alcohol but feels very harmonious and balanced, clean and focused. It matured in French oak barrels, 10% of them new, for 15 months."

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  • 93

    points

    Tim Atkin, June 2022

    "“Our classic Malbec,” is how Thibaut Delmotte describes this blend of four vineyards at different altitudes - Altura Máxima, Colomé, El Arenal and La Brava. Wonderfully juicy and scented, it’s the perfect introduction to the variety, with intense damson, blueberry and wild thyme flavours, palate-caressing tannins and a tangy finish. 2023-30"

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  • 90

    points

    Wine Advocate, November 2022

    "The varietal white 2022 Estate Torrontés has textbook notes of jasmine and orange blossom, looking for the delicate side of the variety through picking at 13.5% alcohol and keeping a low pH and good acidity. The grapes come from vineyards at 1,700 and 2,300 meters above sea level and fermented in stainless steel, and the wine was kept there for one month before being bottled. It's rich and supple, balanced and with a dry finish. 150,000 bottles produced. It was bottled in June 2022."

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  • 94

    points

    Vinous, August 2022

    "The 2022 Torrontes estate is from Molinos, Salta. Torrontes is a variety best drunk young and recently made; that's when it's at it's most alluring, and this is a perfect example. Yellow in the glass. The nose showcases notes of jasmine, early morning orange blossom, dew and country herbs, against a citrussy, bitter orange background. It's expressive with a compact, malic flow while the flavors fill the mouth, stretching out the long finish."

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

Donnafugata Lighea – Non Vintage – Bottle – 2018 & After

2020 Donnafugata Lighea – Tasting Notes

2020 Donnafugata Lighea – Back Label

2019 Donnafugata Lighea – Tasting Notes

2018 Donnafugata Lighea – Accolade Sheet

2018 Donnafugata Lighea – Tasting Notes

2017 Donnafugata Lighea – Tasting Notes

Donnafugata Photography – Lighea beauty shot 2

Donnafugata Photography – Lighea beauty shot

2016 Donnafugata Lighea – Tasting notes

Donnafugata Properties – Sicily map

2015 Donnafugata Lighea – Tasting Notes

Donnafugata Lighea – Non Vintage – Label

Donnafugata Lighea – Non Vintage – Bottle – 2017 & before

Donnafugata Photography – Rallo family

Donnafugata Photography – Pantelleria

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