What kind of wine is Passito di Pantelleria 'Ben Ryé' 2022 - Donnafugata (0.375l - cased)

The Passito di Pantelleria 'Ben Ryé' 2022 - Donnafugata (0.375l - cased) is a natural sweet liqueur wine among the most appreciated in Italy, an authentic symbol of the island of Pantelleria. It is obtained from the Zibibbo (Muscat of Alexandria) grape variety, cultivated on volcanic terraces a few meters from the sea and harvested manually. With an alcohol content of around 14.5–15% vol., it expresses all the power and richness of Mediterranean passito wines, perfect as a meditation wine or to pair with the most refined desserts.

Vintage details

The 2022 vintage was characterized by a warm and dry climate that favored a perfect ripening of the Zibibbo grapes. The harvest, manual and staggered, took place between August and September, carefully selecting the most golden and intact bunches. The result is a wine with a sweetness well balanced by a lively freshness, capable of enhancing the sunny flavors of the island and the natural aromaticity of the grape variety.

Vinification and aging

For the production of Passito di Pantelleria 'Ben Ryé' 2022, Donnafugata follows a handcrafted process that combines tradition and precision. Part of the grapes is sun-dried to concentrate sugars and aromas, while another part ferments fresh to maintain the fruit's vibrancy. During fermentation, the two components are combined and the maceration with the dried grapes gives structure, intensity and aromatic depth.

After vinification, the wine ages for a few months in steel and then in the bottle, developing a complex and harmonious bouquet. It is not a fortified wine, but its natural sweetness and alcohol content make Ben Ryé a long-lived and stable wine over time.

Tasting notes

The Passito di Pantelleria 'Ben Ryé' 2022 - Donnafugata offers a complete sensory experience, rich in nuances and contrasts.

Color

Visually, it presents a bright amber with golden reflections, dense and luminous, indicative of the concentration and elegance that distinguish it.

Nose

On the nose, it releases intense and complex aromas of dried apricot, candied orange peel, dates, honey, and sweet spices. Floral notes and hints of Mediterranean herbs also emerge, in a continuous alternation between sweetness and marine freshness.

Taste

On the palate, it is enveloping, velvety, and perfectly balanced. The sweetness, full but not cloying, blends with a note of acidity that gives impetus and harmony. The finish is very long, fruity, and spicy, with a pleasant return of apricot and almond.

What dishes to pair with Passito di Pantelleria 'Ben Ryé' 2022 - Donnafugata (0.375l - cased)

This Passito is an ideal companion for the most refined desserts, but it also surprises with savory pairings. Here are some ideas:

• Desserts: dried fruit tarts, Sicilian pastries, cassata, cannoli, and dark chocolate desserts.
• Cheeses: blue cheeses like gorgonzola or aged cheeses with mustards and honey.
• Unusual pairings: foie gras or Asian cuisine dishes with sweet and sour notes.

It is also perfect as a meditation wine, to be enjoyed slowly at the end of a meal or on special occasions.

Storage and aging – how to store Passito di Pantelleria 'Ben Ryé' 2022 - Donnafugata (0.375l - cased)

Thanks to its structure and naturally high alcohol content, Passito di Pantelleria 'Ben Ryé' 2022 can be stored for a long time, even over ten years, evolving in complexity and depth.

To maintain its quality, it is recommended to:

• Store it in a cool, dark place, at a constant temperature (between 10 and 16°C).
• Keep the bottle lying down, to keep the cork moist.
• Once opened, reseal tightly and store in the refrigerator: it can maintain its characteristics for several days, thanks to the natural preservative power of sugar and alcohol.

Over time, the sweetness of Ben Ryé evolves towards more complex notes of honey, candied fruit, and spices, making it a collectible wine and a valuable purchase for any enthusiast.