In the glass
Aroma: white flowers, peach, apricot, Muscat-like aromatics
Palate: stone fruit, floral sweetness, fresh acidity, aromatic length
Lighea blends Zibibbo's heady Muscat-like perfume with native white grapes in a delicately off-dry aromatic style: floral, peachy, with balancing acidity that keeps it from cloying.
What it pairs with
-
Salmone in crosta con erbe
The wine's aromatic floral sweetness complements herb-crusted salmon delicately. -
Vietnamese-style prawn rolls
The off-dry aromatic style is unusually suited to lighter Asian preparations. -
Fruit and soft cheese platter
The hint of sweetness and floral character bridges fresh fruit and soft ripened cheese.
How to serve Donnafugata Lighea
Allow 5 minutes from open to pour.
- Open and pour. Open and pour directly. No decanting required for this style.
- Serve at 8-10°C. Cellar temperature (8-10°C) is the band for this style. Warmer pushes alcohol forward; colder dampens aromatics.
- Glassware. Use a smaller all-purpose white glass: the bowl shape rewards the wine's structure.
- Pair with. Salmone in crosta con erbe, Vietnamese-style prawn rolls, Fruit and soft cheese platter. Match the wine's structure to the dish's fat and salt.
History
Lighea was created by Donnafugata in 1992 to explore the aromatic potential of Zibibbo (Moscato d'Alessandria), blending it with native whites for balance. Named for a water nymph from a Tomasi di Lampedusa story, the wine has a distinct island identity.
- 1992 — First Lighea produced as Donnafugata's aromatic off-dry white
Facts
- Producer
- Donnafugata
- Grapes
- Zibibbo, Catarratto, Grecanico
- Classification
- Sicilia DOC
- Oak
- Stainless steel only
- ABV
- 13.0%
- Price
- EUR 14-20 at retail
- Drinking window
- 1-4 from vintage
- First vintage
- 1992
Frequently asked about Donnafugata Lighea
What does Donnafugata Lighea taste like?
On the nose, white flowers, peach, apricot, Muscat-like aromatics. On the palate, stone fruit, floral sweetness, fresh acidity, aromatic length. Structurally medium-bodied, low tannins, high acidity with a aromatic and fresh finish. Lighea blends Zibibbo's heady Muscat-like perfume with native white grapes in a delicately off-dry aromatic style: floral, peachy, with balancing acidity that keeps it from cloying.
When should I drink Donnafugata Lighea?
Drink 1-4 from vintage. Young vintages benefit from 30-90 minutes of decanting; mature bottles should be handled carefully for sediment.
What food pairs with Donnafugata Lighea?
Salmone in crosta con erbe is the canonical pairing. Other strong matches include Vietnamese-style prawn rolls and Fruit and soft cheese platter. The wine's aromatic floral sweetness complements herb-crusted salmon delicately.
What grapes are in Donnafugata Lighea?
The blend is Zibibbo, Catarratto, Grecanico. The wine is classified as Sicilia DOC.