Description
Donnafugata Ben Ryé Passito di Pantelleria
Donnafugata Ben Ryé is one of Italy’s most celebrated sweet wines and a true icon of Sicilian winemaking. Produced on the volcanic island of Pantelleria, this extraordinary dessert wine showcases the unique character of Zibibbo grapes, known internationally as Muscat of Alexandria.
The name “Ben Ryé” means “Son of the Wind” in Arabic. As a result, it pays tribute to the constant sea breezes that shape the island’s vineyards. Donnafugata carefully crafts Ben Ryé using traditional methods, including the partial drying of grapes under the Mediterranean sun. Consequently, the wine achieves remarkable concentration, complexity, and elegance.
Tasting Notes
In the glass, Donnafugata Ben Ryé displays a brilliant amber-gold colour with luminous reflections. The bouquet reveals intense aromas of apricot, candied orange peel, dried figs, dates, and honey. In addition, delicate notes of Mediterranean herbs and sweet spices add further depth and complexity.
On the palate, the wine is rich, silky, and beautifully balanced. Concentrated flavours of dried stone fruits and citrus zest unfold with every sip. Meanwhile, vibrant acidity provides freshness and lift. Furthermore, subtle mineral nuances contribute to the wine’s exceptional elegance. Consequently, the finish is long, persistent, and remarkably refined.
Food Pairing
Donnafugata Ben Ryé pairs beautifully with fruit-based desserts, almond pastries, and traditional Sicilian sweets. Moreover, it complements blue cheeses, foie gras, and mature cheeses exceptionally well.
Its complexity also makes it a wonderful meditation wine. Therefore, many wine lovers enjoy it on its own after a meal. For the best experience, serve Donnafugata Ben Ryé slightly chilled.
Why Choose Donnafugata Ben Ryé?
Donnafugata is one of Sicily’s most respected wineries and is internationally recognised for producing wines of outstanding quality. The estate combines innovation with tradition while showcasing the unique terroirs of Sicily and Pantelleria.
As a result, Donnafugata Ben Ryé has earned acclaim from wine critics and enthusiasts around the world. It offers an authentic expression of Pantelleria’s unique landscape, climate, and winemaking heritage.
Whether you are seeking a world-class dessert wine or a memorable gift for a wine enthusiast, Donnafugata Ben Ryé is an exceptional choice. Most importantly, it delivers extraordinary richness, balance, and Mediterranean character in every glass.
The Pantelleria estate: Home of the Alberello Pantesco, UNESCO-World Heritage Ben Ryé 2021 surprises for the great fragrance and the complexity of its bouquet, which ranges from fruity notes to delicate hints of Mediterranean scrub. On the palate it’s intense and persistent, with an extraordinary freshness that balances the sweetness. A captivating Passito di Pantelleria, one of the most appreciated sweet wines in the world.
Production Area
Island of Pantelleria (South-Western Sicily); districts of Khamma, Tracino, Mueggen, Serraglia, Gibbiuna, Barone, Martingana, Bukkuram, Favarotta, Punta Karace, Bugeber, Karuscia.
Terrains and Climate
altitude from 20 to 400 m a.m.s.l. (65-1,312 ft); complex orography, typically volcanic, soils mainly cultivated on terraced slopes; sandy soils, originating from lava, that vary between sub-acidic and neutral reaction; deep, fertile soils, well-endowed with minerals. Mild, dry winters. Windy summers.
Vineyard
The vines are cultivated, in hollows, low alberello pantesco. The low bush vine of Pantelleria has been inscribed on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity as a “creative and sustainable” practice. Planting density of 2,500 plants per hectare (1,000 an acre) with a yield of about 4–5 tons per hectare (1,6-2 tons an acre). The average age of the vines is over 60 years; some are ungrafted and survived phylloxera exceeding 100 years in age.
Harvesting
Manual harvesting of grapes into crates with careful selection of the grapes in the vineyard. The Zibibbo harvest at Donnafugata traditionally continues for 3-4 weeks, in the districts where the company has its vineyards that differ in altitude, exposure, proximity to or distance from the sea; the harvest began on 16th of August and concluded on 8th of September.
Vinification
Once the grapes reach the winery, they undergo further selection on a vibrating table before soft pressing. Fermentation takes place in stainless steel at controlled temperatures; the dried grapes – added to the fresh must in several batches – are destemmed and selected by hand. During maceration, the dried grapes release their extraordinary legacy of sweetness, freshness, and a very personal aroma. The vinification process (fermentation and maceration) lasts over 1 month. Aging takes place in stainless steel for 5 months and at least 8 months in bottle before being released.
