Chiarandà Contessa Entellina DOC - Donnafugata

The Chiarandà Contessa Entellina DOC - Donnafugata shines in the glass in a bright straw yellow with slightly golden reflections and already visually promises richness and elegance. On the nose, a multi-layered interplay of aromas unfolds, with ripe yellow fruit, pineapple and juicy pear, accompanied by fine notes of vanilla, hazelnut and a hint of roasted almonds. Delicate nuances of citrus blossom and Mediterranean herbs lend additional depth and sophistication.

On the palate, this single-varietal Chardonnay from Sicily presents itself with a creamy texture and pronounced structure. The lively acidity provides tension and freshness, while the body appears dense and multi-faceted. The wood is perfectly integrated, supporting the aromatic complexity and highlighting the elegant spiciness. Fine, almost salty nuances on the finish recall the proximity of the sea and underline the origin of this characterful white wine. The aftertaste is long, with lingering notes of vanilla, ripe stone fruit and a subtle hint of brioche.

Typical of the warm-climate growing area of Contessa Entellina in western Sicily, the wine shows concentrated fruit, clear contours and a harmonious interplay of richness and freshness. The Chardonnay grape here interprets a Mediterranean, sun-drenched style, yet remains elegant and precisely defined. On the palate it appears silky, with a creamy flow and fine, structure-giving acidity.

• Wine color: white, with slightly golden reflections
• Grape variety: 100% Chardonnay
• Origin: Contessa Entellina DOC, Sicily
• Texture: creamy, yet fresh and structured
• Aromas: vanilla, yellow fruits, citrus blossoms, hints of nuts
• Ageing: sur lie, partly in small wooden barrels
• Finish: long, elegant, with fine spiciness

1. Intensely fragrant nose with ripe fruit and vanilla.
2. Creamy opening on the palate, carried by lively acidity.
3. Fine oak spice and nutty notes in the mid-palate.
4. Long, harmonious finish with elegant minerality.

Production of Chiarandà Contessa Entellina DOC - Donnafugata

The grapes for this DOC white wine come from the estate-owned vineyards of the renowned Donnafugata winery in the subregion of Contessa Entellina. The area is located in the hilly hinterland of western Sicily, where warm days and cooler nights favor a slow, aromatic ripening of the Chardonnay grapes. Clay-rich soils give the wine richness, density and a subtle, earthy minerality.

The Mediterranean climate with intense sunshine and constant winds ensures concentrated berries with pronounced varietal character. The vines stand in selected sites whose exposure offers ideal conditions for Chardonnay. The combination of warm climate, altitude and clayey soils shapes the unmistakable style of this wine.

Harvesting preferably takes place in the cooler morning hours in order to preserve the freshness of the grapes. Only carefully selected grapes make it to the press, laying the foundation for high quality already in the vineyard. After gentle pressing, fermentation takes place under temperature control so that the delicate fruit aromas and the typical Chardonnay notes clearly come to the fore.

An essential component of the style lies in the sur lie ageing. The wine matures for about 14 months on the fine lees, partly in small wooden barrels, partly in other vessels. Through regular stirring of the lees, it gains volume, complexity and a creamy texture, without losing freshness. The discreetly used barriques introduce notes of vanilla, fine toast and nutty aromas without overshadowing the fruit.

The style of the Donnafugata estate combines traditional craftsmanship with modern precision. Every step pursues a clear goal: a characterful Chardonnay with a Mediterranean soul, elegant structure and artistic expression in the glass. The artistically designed bottle reflects this philosophy and underlines the high standards of quality and individuality.

Serving recommendations for Chiarandà Contessa Entellina DOC - Donnafugata

The wine accompanies a wide variety of refined dishes and proves to be extremely versatile. It lends an additional dimension especially to light-colored and delicate dishes. Its creamy texture and elegant acidity structure harmonize ideally with subtle aromas and delicate textures.

• Fine fish dishes, such as fried turbot or sea bass.
• Seafood such as scallops, prawns or octopus.
• Pasta with light sauces, e.g. lemon butter, saffron or vegetables.
• Poultry dishes, such as guinea fowl or chicken breast with fine herbs.
• Creamy risottos with asparagus, mushrooms or seafood.
• Mild, not too strong cheeses, e.g. young pecorino or soft cheese.

As a companion for special occasions, this Chardonnay appears extremely stylish. It pairs wonderfully with festive menus, romantic evenings for two or as an elegant aperitif with fine canapés. It also makes a clear statement of taste and quality at business dinners or as a distinguished gift for wine lovers.

For optimal enjoyment, a serving temperature of 8 to 10 °C in a white wine glass is recommended. At this temperature, the aromatic spectrum of yellow fruit, vanilla and fine spice unfolds particularly clearly and harmoniously. A slight warming in the glass enhances the creamy texture and the complexity of the bouquet.

The Chiarandà Contessa Entellina DOC - Donnafugata is already highly fascinating when young, but develops additional maturity and a greater variety of nuances over several years. A cellaring potential of around five years from the vintage provides room for exciting developments in the bottle. Stored cool, dark and protected from vibration, the wine retains its freshness while tertiary aromas such as honey, nuts and fine roasted notes deepen.

Whether enjoyed on its own on a stylish evening or as a finely tuned food companion: this Chardonnay from Sicily combines Mediterranean radiance with elegant structure and ensures sophisticated enjoyment at a high level on any occasion.

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