Without hesitation, we can say that Infranto, by Donna Viola, has become one of our favorite rosé wines. There is meticulous attention to detail in the production of this wine. You can recognize this from the design of its label to its aromas and delicate flavor.
Donna Viola is a subsidiary of Petroni Vini, a historical winery producing wines since 1865. Using traditional winemaking methods, Infranto is the perfect example of why rosé wines from Puglia stand above all others. “Our wines are produced using only the native grapes of Puglia,” told us Maria Viola Petroni, fifth-generation owner of Donna Viola. “We pay very close attention to the use of historic winemaking techniques, using one hundred percent of a specific variety of grape in our wines. The soils of our lands are special and unique, and I want to continue to honor this.”
Infranto is a well-structured, balanced, and exquisitely elegant wine. It is produced from Nero di Troia grapes. A good level of tannins characterizes Nero di Troia grapes and an ideal predisposition for wine aging in bottles. Infranto is produced using a soft press method, leading to a higher quality product. “For me, it is important to know and understand every single part of the winemaking process, down to every single detail,” Maria told us. “Not only does this allow me to develop a wine that I know our consumers will enjoy, but also to better represent Puglia in the eyes of the world.”
To the eye, Infranto highlights a delicate pomelo pink color. It boasts an excellent intensity to the nose, with floral and fruity aromas of peach blossom, grapefruit, peach, and apricot. On the palate, this wine stands out for its compelling freshness and softness while revealing its luscious and outstanding flavors. This wine pairs perfectly with an aperitif, seafood, and salads.
When discussing Donna Viola as a company, Maria is part of a generation of female winemakers starting to dominate Italy’s wine industry. “As the female face of this brand, I can tell you that this industry is not only for males. It is an industry that can benefit extensively from women’s attention to detail. We bring a unique level of passion and insight for tradition and innovation to the winemaking process.”
Maria is the designer behind the branding for Donna Viola. The D and V initials found in the logo form an open triangle. “The triangle represents my vision for the brand. Each angle represents one aspect of my goals for Donna Viola: innovation, bravery, and passion.” Maria is also the designer of the label for Infranto. Translating to “broken” in English, Infranto’s embossed label is reminiscent of her vineyards’ broken soil during the dry winters. “Infranto was born during the Covid-19 lockdown. Its label is a reminder that new plants will eventually grow from the dry, broken soil once the cold winter is over. It is a symbol of hope.”
To those visiting Puglia, Donna Viola offers two forms of wine tasting held on the winery’s grounds. Maria catalogs these as “formal” and “informal” wine tasting events. For the informal wine tasting, guests enjoy a more organic experience, drinking wine sourced straight from the steel tanks while getting a behind-the-scenes look into the production of wine. The formal wine tasting follows the more traditional guidelines of being served with different wines and aperitifs at a table. However, for Maria, her favorite experience offered at Donna Viola’s vineyards is the Sunset Experience. Donna Viola rests on a hill that faces the sunset, and this tasting activity takes advantage of this opportunity to offer guests a more intimate experience.