Donnafugata, Lighea Zibibbo Sicilia IGT 2007

Description

The name of this white wine from Donnafugata Winery, “Lighea,” derives from the local dialect nickname that describes a woman with disheveled sun-colored hair. This is how Giuseppe Tomasi di Lampedusa describes the enchanting mermaid, the central character in one of his stories, which inspired a complex and innovative wine and an equally original label. The white wine is produced using 100% Zibibbo grapes (Moscato d’Alessandria). The grapes, cultivated on the island of Pantelleria, are positively influenced by the salty winds. They are grown using the traditional low bush training system (typical locally), and the pruning is also typical, very short. The planting density is at least 2,500 plants per hectare, with a yield of about 50 quintals per hectare. The soil on which the vines grow is volcanic and rich in minerals. The grapes are harvested at the end of August from the cooler contrade (local areas) of Pantelleria’s younger vineyards. After a gentle pressing of the grapes, the must is fermented at a controlled temperature. The wine is released for sale after at least two months of bottle aging.