Donnafugata Ben Ryé Passito di Pantelleria 2022
Donnafugata’s masterpiece is ‘Ben Ryé’, a Zibibbo Passito from the island of Pantelleria. Donnafugata arrived here in 1989 and now cultivate 68 hectares of vines on this volcanic island, which is closer to Tunisia than Italy. Due to this position, it is constantly swept by Mediterranean winds; Scirocco from the south and Maestrale from the north. The wine production process is heavily influenced by these winds, from the unique shape of the “Alberello Pantesco” bush vines (certified by UNESCO World Heritage) to the drying of the grapes. For this reason, Donnafugata named their Passito di Pantelleria DOC ‘Ben Ryé’ from the Arabic ‘son of the wind’. Brilliant amber in colour, Ben Ryé is wonderfully fresh and complex. The bouquet is intense and rich with aromas of apricots and candied citrus zest combined with notes of Mediterranean thyme and rosemary. The palate is well-defined and intense, with pleasant sweetness balanced perfectly with fresh acidity and great minerality.
