Going Italian At Whole Foods: Donnafugata Sedàra

This month and next, Whole Foods Markets has the spotlight on Italian wines at great prices.  Get the details on the wines and the April virtual tasting event on Twitter here.

You can go to the hashtag #WFMWine to see how much fun we had on the first wine tasting.

Today we sample one of those wines.

Twitter Tastings

Thursday March 13, 7:00-8:00 p.m. CT:
Banfi Principessa Gavia Gavi
Ruffino Orvieto Classico
Gran Passione Rosso
Donnafugata Sedàra

Thursday April 10, 7:00-8:00 p.m. CT:
Presto Prosecco
Caposaldo Pinot Grigio
Monrosso Chianti
Verrazzano Rosso


Donnafugata Sedàra 2012  $14.99

Sedàra is a Sicilian wine made primarily from the Nero d'Avola grape, with some Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah and a smattering of other varieties in the mix.  Alcohol is fairly moderate, at about 13% abv and the wine is bottled under an aluminum screw cap.

This extremely dark wine shows its colors on both the nose and palate.  Blackberries, black cherries and prunes shade the aroma profile, which is actually dominated by a savory funk that I find irresistible.  Flavors of black fruit appear on the palate, along with great acidity and a tannic structure which begs for a steak to be thrown on the grill.

The comments on Twitter were favorable.  @WFM_Louisiana tweeted, "Donnafugata Sedàra's rich, deep flavors have us singing!"  @DrinkWhatYouLike wrote, "Digging the initial funkiness on the Donnafugata Sedàra."  @JamesTheWineGuy liked Sedàra's "notes of crushed dried red rose petal, early season cherry, Thyme, mint and pepper."  @winefashionista gave a brief commercial: "I need to buy a case of @DonnafugataWine Sedara oh my gosh what a great wine and terrific value! Under 10 bucks!"  A similar sentiment came from @WineHarlots: "Donnafugata Sedàra from Sicily. $10. Earthy fruit and dust. #Bargain."  I second that hashtag.

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