What kind of wine is Passito di Pantelleria DOC 'Bukkuram Sole d'Agosto' 2022 - Marco De Bartoli

The Passito di Pantelleria DOC 'Bukkuram Sole d'Agosto' 2022 - Marco De Bartoli is a natural sweet wine, made from Zibibbo (Moscato d’Alessandria) grapes grown on the island of Pantelleria. It is considered among the most prized liqueur wines of the Mediterranean, but unlike Marsala or Port, it is not "fortified" with alcohol; instead, it derives from the natural concentration of sugars through the drying of the grapes. With its alcohol content of approximately 14.5%, it embodies all the power of the island's sun and wind, offering an elegant and never cloying sweetness.

Vintage details

The 2022 vintage in Pantelleria was hot and windy, with significant temperature fluctuations that favored perfect grape ripening. The bunches are harvested by hand at the end of August, and a portion of them is left to dry in the sun on racks for several weeks. This process, called appassimento (drying), concentrates the sugars and typical aromas of Passito di Pantelleria, making every sip intense and radiant. The style of Bukkuram Sole d'Agosto 2022 is that of a rich passito, but with a pleasant vibrancy that encourages a second glass.

Winemaking and aging

After harvesting, the must obtained from fresh grapes is combined with that from dried grapes, creating a complex aromatic base. Fermentation occurs slowly, and the wine matures for about six months in French oak barriques, followed by another six months in stainless steel. Aging in wood gives the wine roundness and spicy aromas, while the time in stainless steel preserves the freshness and purity of the fruit. Being unfortified, it retains the naturalness and authenticity of the territory, maintaining a surprising balance between sugar, acidity, and alcohol.

Tasting notes

Color

In the glass, it displays a brilliant amber hue with golden reflections, a sign of the maturity and sunny nature of the Zibibbo grapes. The texture is velvety and dense, characteristic of sweet wines with great structure.

Nose

The nose opens with intense aromas of dried apricot, figs, and candied orange peel. Notes of honey, dates, and a touch of Mediterranean herbs then emerge, testifying to its connection with the Pantellerian scrubland. It is a warm and complex bouquet that evolves pleasantly in the glass.

Palate

On the palate, it is soft and enveloping, with a sweetness balanced by a lively acidity that prevents any heaviness. The flavors of dried fruit and honey return, accompanied by a long, lingering finish. It is a wine that conveys the light and intensity of Pantelleria in every sip.

What dishes to pair with Passito di Pantelleria DOC 'Bukkuram Sole d'Agosto' 2022 - Marco De Bartoli

This passito is an ideal companion for after-dinner or meditative moments. Its gastronomic versatility is surprising:

• Perfect with desserts made from dried fruit, apricot tarts, or Sicilian cassata.
• Also interesting with blue or aged cheeses, which balance its sweetness.
• For an unconventional pairing, try it with foie gras or pâté: its freshness enhances their creaminess.

Storage and aging: how to store Passito di Pantelleria DOC 'Bukkuram Sole d'Agosto' 2022 - Marco De Bartoli

Thanks to its high alcohol content and natural sugar concentration, the Passito di Pantelleria Bukkuram Sole d'Agosto 2022 is well-suited for excellent evolution over time. To store it best:

• Keep it in a cool place, away from sources of light and heat.
• The ideal temperature is between 12° and 16°C (53° and 61°F).
• Once opened, it can keep perfectly for several days if re-sealed and stored in the refrigerator.

Over the years, the wine will develop increasingly complex notes of dried fruit, spices, and honey, demonstrating how the Passito di Pantelleria DOC 'Bukkuram Sole d'Agosto' 2022 - Marco De Bartoli is a wine to cherish and rediscover over time.