Donnafugata "Fragore" Etna Rosso Contrada Montelaguardia DOC 2020
(Sicily, Italy) - [WE 94] [VM 93] [JS 93] [DM 92] [WS 90]

About the Winery:
Giacomo Rallo, the fourth generation of a family with over 170 years of experience in quality wine, founded Donnafugata in 1983 together with his wife Gabriella. Today, their children José and Antonio lead the company and a team of people focused on excellence.

In eastern Sicily, on the northern slope of Mount Etna, Donnafugata has 86 acres of vineyards with native grapes such as Carricante and Nerello Mascalese; in the territory of Vittoria DOC, the latest generation winery is surrounded by 103 acres of Nero d’Avola and Frappato.

About the Wine:
Derived from the Italian word for "thunder" (signifying the roar of Mount Etna), this wine is crafted entirely from indigenous Nerello Mascalese grapes grown in the Contrada Montelaguardia district on the northern slopes of the volcano. The soils of Montelaguardia are located at approx. 730 metres a.s.l. and are the result of the volcanic eruptions of 16141624; sandy volcanic soil. This area to the north of the volcano is characterized by lower rainfall compared with the other slopes of Mount Etna. Summers are cool with strong temperature variations between night and day. The wood surrounding the vineyards of Montelaguardia reduces the temperature, especially in the morning, aiding phenolic ripeness. The specific chemical-physical composition of the soils and the particular microclimate are hallmarks of Montelaguardia that Donnafugata interprets in the vineyard and in the winery. 

Ageing in second and third-passage barriques for around 12 months and then at least 24 months in the bottle before 

Winemaking Notes:
Fermentation in stainless steel with maceration on the skins for 8-10 days at a temperature of 25°C. Ageing in second and third-passage barriques for around 12 months and then at least 24 months in the bottle before release.

Tasting Notes:
Ruby red in color, Fragore 2020 has a generous and deep bouquet with notes of dark red fruits like blackcurrant and blackberries which combine with spicy hints of cinnamon and tobacco and mineral notes of flint, tied together by subtle forest floor aromas. Due to its complexity and structure with important tannins, together with its remarkable persistence, this Contrada Montelaguardia cru is an authentic expression of volcanic energy.

Ideal with legumes, mushrooms and tasty meats, Fragore perfectly matches turkey and barbecue ribs. Try it also with Asian food as Peking duck, beef and pork.

Technical Info:
Grapes: Nerello Mascalese, the main red grape variety native of Etna, and a small percentage of Nerello Cappuccio.
alc. 14% vol.
TA 5,8 g/L
pH 3,55

Ratings & Reviews

94 Points - Wine Enthusiast:
"With aromas of wild cherries and strawberries, salty rocks and wild herbs, a fiery heat and bubbling acid, the Fragore Etna rosso captures the explosive tension of the volcano, and remains a delight to drink." - Danielle Callegari (Sep 2025)

93 Points - Vinous Media:
"Dusty rose, underbrush, grilled herbs and dried strawberries form a darkly alluring bouquet as the 2020 Etna Rosso Fragore slowly evolves in the glass. This floods the palate with silken textures and polished red berry fruits, elevated by a hint of blood orange. It finishes spicy, structured and long, leaving a pleasantly bitter sensation as crunchy tannins linger on. The Fragore hails from Contrada Montelagguardia, which is surrounded by forest that naturally cools the location." - Eric Guido (Jun 2024)

93 Points - James Suckling:
An evolved nose showing slightly cooked cherries, a very smoky character and a peach-like nuance that returns in the aftertaste. Light- to medium-bodied, this has refreshing acidity and lightly framed tannins with a chalky finish. Drink now.

92 Points - Decanter Magazine:
"Aromatic notes of spiced cranberry, integrated wood, orange zest, and mint. The palate is tannic yet lengthy with balsamic hints. Youthful with caramel, smoke, and dark fruit aromas. Initial tannin and acid evolve to spotlight ripe, elegant fruit. Bitter, vibrant finish reminiscent of Negroni." – Susan Hulme (Feb 2024)

90 Points - Wine Spectator:
"A black cherry core is accented by fragrant accents of licorice, sandalwood, iron and smoke in this lively, glossy red, with fine tannins firming the finish. Drink now through 2029." – Alison Napjus (Nov 2024)