Donnafugata Tancredi Nero d’Avola 2018

Donnafugata Tancredi Nero d’Avola 2018 is a 750ml Sicilian red blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Nero d’Avola, and Tannat bottled at 13.91% ABV. Awarded 93 points by James Suckling and 91 points from both Wine Enthusiast and Vinous, this vintage represents one of the more accomplished recent releases from a cuvée first introduced in 1990.
Quick Facts: ABV: 13.91%  |  Origin: Terre Siciliane IGT, South-Western Sicily, Italy  |  2018 Vintage  |  Producer: Donnafugata
Production & Heritage
Donnafugata is a family-owned Sicilian estate with vineyards centered around the Contessa Entellina property in the heart of south-western Sicily. Tancredi was born in 1990 as an innovative union of international and native grape varieties — a blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Nero d’Avola, and 10% Tannat that was considered pioneering at the time. Grapes are fermented in stainless steel with a 14-day maceration on the skins at 28°–30°C, and a latest-generation optical destemmer discards green and overripe berries before vinification. The wine ages for 12 months in oak followed by at least two years in bottle before release, allowing the tannin structure to integrate fully.
Tasting Notes
Aroma: An intense ruby-red wine that opens with dark plum sauce and black currant, layered with underbrush, grilled herbs, and graphite. A secondary wave reveals blueberry, balsamic spice, and subtle violet florals.
Taste: The entry is silky-smooth and medium-bodied, with juicy red cherry and crushed raspberry forming a generous core. The mid-palate develops depth through licorice, ground white pepper, espresso, and a mineral undercurrent. Mocha and sour citrus accents emerge toward the peak, keeping the fruit from becoming one-dimensional.
Finish: Remarkably long and lightly structured, with fine-grained tannins that carry inner violet florals and salted licorice. The close is harmonious and enveloping, trailing off with lingering spice and dark fruit.
How to Drink Tancredi 2018
Best served at 16°–18°C with 30 minutes of decanting to open the aromatics and soften the tannins; this is primarily a food wine that rewards patient sipping. A Sangria Roja made with this wine would gain unusual depth from the Tannat component and spice profile. It also anchors a serious Red Wine Spritz — its firm tannins hold up against dilution and sparkling water. For a winter variation, it makes an excellent base for Vin Brûlé (Italian mulled wine), where the plum and licorice notes amplify warm spices.
Best For
Gifting an Italian wine enthusiast who already knows Brunello and Barolo
Anchoring a Sicilian-themed dinner party alongside grilled lamb or eggplant parmigiana
Building a cellar of age-worthy Mediterranean reds
Introducing adventurous drinkers to premium Nero d’Avola blends beyond single-varietal bottlings
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Tancredi 2018 taste like? Tancredi 2018 leads with juicy red cherry, crushed raspberry, and dark plum, followed by licorice, ground white pepper, espresso, and graphite minerality. The tannins are fine-grained and silky, making the wine feel elegant despite its concentration.
How does Tancredi 2018 compare to Tasca d’Almerita Rosso del Conte? Both are benchmark premium Sicilian reds, but Tancredi relies on a Cabernet Sauvignon-dominant blend with Nero d’Avola and Tannat, while Rosso del Conte historically centers on Nero d’Avola with Perricone. Tancredi tends toward more international structure and darker fruit, whereas Rosso del Conte leans further into native Sicilian character.
Is Tancredi 2018 good for sipping neat? Yes — its silky tannins, layered aromatics, and long finish make it an engaging wine to drink on its own, especially after 30 minutes of decanting to let the bouquet fully develop.
Where is Tancredi 2018 made? Tancredi is produced by Donnafugata at their Contessa Entellina estate and neighboring territories in the heart of south-western Sicily, Italy, and is classified under the Terre Siciliane IGT designation.
What foods pair well with Tancredi 2018? Grilled lamb chops work naturally with the wine’s herbal and spice notes. Aged pecorino cheese mirrors its savory depth. Eggplant parmigiana complements the dark fruit and licorice. Slow-braised beef cheeks match the wine’s medium-to-full body and fine tannins. Dark chocolate desserts echo the mocha and espresso undertones.
What sizes does Tancredi 2018 come in? The standard release is a 750ml bottle, which is the most widely available format.
Is Tancredi 2018 worth the price? Tancredi positions as a premium Sicilian red that competes well above its price tier, particularly given the 93-point James Suckling score and extended aging regimen of 12 months in oak plus two years in bottle before release.
Why Tancredi 2018?
Tancredi holds a distinctive place in Sicilian winemaking as the blend that pioneered the marriage of Cabernet Sauvignon with Nero d’Avola back in 1990 — a combination now widely imitated across the island. The 2018 vintage earned 93 points from James Suckling alongside 91 points from both Wine Enthusiast and Vinous, confirming its consistency at this quality level. Donnafugata’s use of optical sorting technology to eliminate subpar berries before fermentation gives this wine a precision not always found in similarly priced Mediterranean reds. With its integrated oak, long bottle aging, and complex spice-driven profile, the 2018 Tancredi rewards both immediate drinking and further cellaring.