Donnafugata Isolano Dolce & Gabbana Etna Bianco DOC 2022/ 12.5% / 0.75l

In the heart of Sicily, where the land bears traces of its volcanic past, lies one of the most fascinating names in Italian winemaking - Donnafugata. The name, often translated as "fleeing woman," has its origins in colorful local traditions and legends of queens and aristocracy who, during turbulent times, sought refuge on this island full of sunshine and rugged nature. The etymology alone evokes the story of courage and the search for new life - a spirit that later took hold in the brand's wines.

The modern Donnafugata winery was born in 1983 on the initiative of Giacomo Rallo and his wife Gabriella, who came from a family winemaking tradition with roots in the 19th century. It was they who, with passion and a vision of quality, began to transform the Sicilian vineyards into a symbol of modern, prestigious winemaking, combining tradition with innovation and concern for the environment. Under their guidance, Donnafugata expanded into the diverse terroirs of Sicily - from the ancient gorges of Marsala, to the grape groves of the Contessa Entellina, to the steep, rocky slopes of the Etna volcano. Today, the next generations of the Rallo family, José and Antonio, continue this mission, nurturing the vines with respect for nature and the heritage of the region.

Deeply rooted in Sicilian culture, Donnafugata has become an ambassador of the land to the world - its wines are not just a beverage, but a story of sun, stone and sea, of the wind blowing from the northern slopes of Mount Etna and of human labor that makes the vine more than just a raw material.

Isolano is built on the northern slope of the Etna volcano, in an area of vineyards located at altitudes ranging from approx. 700 to 750 m n.p.m. The region's soils are primarily sands and volcanic rocks rich in minerals - these are what give Etna wines their unique character. The climate here is cool, with less rainfall than in the lower parts of Sicily, strong winds and large temperature differences between day and night. Such conditions favor slow ripening of the grapes, resulting in aromatic intensity and vibrant acidity.

Isolano is the fruit of a partnership between Donnafugata and the fashion house Dolce & Gabbana - Combining two Sicilian passions: the art of creation and the celebration of the land. The graphic design of the label and packaging is inspired by the typical motifs of the Sicilian "carretto" - a traditional, richly decorated carriage that reflects the energy and colors of the island.

The wine is made primarily from Carricante - an indigenous white grape varietal characteristic of Etna, which, with its elegance and mineral character, best expresses the taste of this particular terroir. In the production of 2022 Carricante is the main part, with a small share of other local varieties. The wine ferments at a controlled temperature in steel vats and matures for about 9 months in steel tanks, and then spends more than 14 months in bottle before market launch, allowing it to establish itself harmoniously and develop its aromatic profile.

Although for the 2022 vintage the "Isolano Dolce & Gabbana" edition does not yet have widely available official ratings from major critics, in practice wines of this type from Donnafugata have solid reviews and participation in consumer rankings: on the Vivino platform the average user rating for this label oscillates around 4,1/5, which indicates a very good reception among wine lovers.

Appearance: Isolano presents itself in the glass as clear, straw yellow color with subtle, with golden highlights, which attracts light and heralds the promise of the sun of Sicily.

Aroma: The nose opens with fresh tones citrus - lime, lemon and grapefruit peel, that intertwine with the delicate notes of the white flowers and Mediterranean herbs, like ginestra and aromatic herbs. In the background one can sense a subtle volcanic minerality, which adds depth and complexity.

Taste: On the palate, the wine is elegant and well balanced; the acidity is lively, and the flavor profile leads from the juicy citrus, through notes of green apples and grapefruit, after longer mineral echo of volcanic earth, which leaves a fresh, dry finish in the mouth.

Culinary Connections: This wine pairs well with culinary in a light Mediterranean style - as of delicate crustaceans and seafood, via mushrooms (especially boletes) i vegetarian appetizers, up to white meat dishes and light fish. Its freshness and minerality also balance perfectly with creamy risottos or salads with citrus dressing.