Baglio Donnafranca is the symbol of the rediscovery of ancient traditions, not only in winemaking, but also in architectural and cultural terms.
This magical place, full of history and ancient charm, was purchased by the Ansaldi family in the year 2000, and later renovated and converted into a wine resort with its own wine cellar. The large fortified farmhouse belonged to the Florio family, the historic Sicilian dynasty of Calabrian origin, who made Marsala famous around the world. “Baglio” comes from the Arabic term "bahal” which means “courtyard” and refers to original architectural details built around a tower that has specific
defence purposes.
The property was named “ Donnafranca” as an homage to Franca Florio, an icon of the Sicilian belle époque and one of the greatest exponents of the Florio dynasty. The wine resort is set in a peaceful oasis among the vineyards of the 6 Marsala countryside, located on the plateau of the Abbadessa and Cipponeri estates, where you can enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view over the Egadi islands, the Stagnone Reserve, the town of Marsala town and Erice village.
The property belongs to Paola (sommelier) and Giacomo Ansaldi (oenologist), who are passionate researchers of oenological history and the identity of Sicilian grapes. They were born and raised in Marsala, where wine has always played an important role in the daily life of the entire family.
After earning a piano degree, Paola dedicated herself to her family and raised her two children: Giorgio and Edoardo. Her musical sensitivity and her passion for wine allowed
her to achieve the important title of sommelier, and she eventually became the public relations manager.
As a child, Giacomo experienced not only the hard work of the vineyards, but also the great satisfactions that only a good vintage can give. He began travelling to expand his knowledge through hands-on experience in leading wine producing countries. His discoveries made him realise that he belongs to a place rich in culture, with an identity that deserves to be brought back into the spotlight. During his activity as an oenologist, he continues to do his thorough researches on ancient vine varieties which lead him to write a book, "Identitità e Ricchezza del vigneto Sicilia"; (The Identity and Richness of the Sicilian Vineyard), with the aim of highlighting and protecting the biodiversity of all the grapes grown in Sicily. As an oenologist, he seeks to combine traditional and innovative technologies to obtain a high quality product. In particular, he is keen on winemaking processes that respect all the typical characteristics of the grapes and therefore he strongly believes that “tailored” vinification techniques must be carried out according to each single grape variety Giacomo is the oenologist in charge of the cellar, which is the heart of the “Baglio”, and the organic wines he makes tell a story set in the past, where the main characters are still common people, dedicated to their work and family, always extremely passionate for the traditional values of their local identity and culture. For this reason, the philosophy of the production process is to respect the “terroir” and the intrinsic characteristics of the grapes. What sets the wines apart is that they are not defined by a specific variety, but related to the uniqueness of the place where they are cultivated: the final result of a complex wine experience lived to the fullest.
Just like in the past, when farmers worked in their own vineyards and produced the wine directly in their own cellar, in the Donnafranca Baglio, every single detail is taken care of : cultivation, harvest, vinification, bottling, packing and hospitality. The entire production process: from grape to bottle. The equipment used is state-of- the-art and techniques are traditional in order to produce wines that suit the taste of the most attentive consumers as well as the high expectations of connoisseurs.
The vineyards extend for about 11 hectares and the cultivation method is strictly “organic”, no synthetic chemicals are used at all. This choice enhances the natural resources and fully respects the soil, the environment and the biodiversity characteristics.
This choice enhances the natural resources and fully respects the soil, the environment and the biodiversity characteristics.
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