In the glass

Full-bodiedFirm tanninMedium acidityDryLong, Cedar-Mineral finish

Aroma: blackcurrant, dark cherry, cedar, tobacco

Palate: dark fruit, structured tannin, cedar, warm mineral

Tancredi blends the warmth of Nero d'Avola with Cabernet Sauvignon's structural backbone, producing a Sicilian-Bordeaux hybrid with cedar-cedar depth and concentrated fruit aged gracefully in French barriques.

What it pairs with

  • Grilled Sicilian black pig (Suino Nero)
    The Bordeaux structure in Tancredi brings out the richness of island pork.
  • Braised veal with herbs
    Cedar and tobacco notes complement white meat braised with aromatic herbs.
  • Mature Sicilian provolone
    Structured tannin and dark fruit meet the sharpness of aged cow's-milk cheese.

History

Tancredi was one of the earliest Sicilian wines to blend a native grape (Nero d'Avola) with an international variety (Cabernet Sauvignon). Named for the Visconti film set in Sicily, it predates the Super Tuscan movement's influence on the south and remains Donnafugata's most enduring mid-tier red.

  1. 1990 — First Tancredi blend from Contessa Entellina estate

Facts

Producer
Donnafugata
Grapes
Nero d'Avola (70%), Cabernet Sauvignon (30%)
Classification
Contessa Entellina DOC
Oak
Aged in French barriques, 14 months
ABV
14.0%
Price
EUR 22-32 at retail
Drinking window
4-14 from vintage
First vintage
1990

Tags

cabernet sauvignon dry firm tannin full body iconic medium acid medium term mood bold mood elegant nero d avola occasion dinner party occasion special old world pairs with aged cheese pairs with pork pairs with red meat price trade up still red
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