Ben Ryè 2014 Passito di Pantelleria DOC - Donnafugata

Ben Ryé 2014 – Donnafugata

Ben Ryé is the passito with which Donnafugata, the Sicilian winery of the Rallo family, made Passito di Pantelleria known worldwide. The name comes from Arabic and means son of the wind, a tribute to the wind that sweeps the island relentlessly, halfway between Sicily and Africa. It has been made since 1989.

It comes from Zibibbo, or Muscat of Alexandria, grown as bush vines in the lava-stone hollows of Pantelleria. Part of the grapes is picked early and laid out on racks in the sun to dry naturally; the wine then ages a few months in steel and at least a year in bottle before release.

With ten years in bottle, the 2014 is amber, with aromas of dried apricot, fig, date, candied orange peel, honey and Mediterranean scrub; the sweetness is balanced by lovely freshness. A wine for sipping on its own, or with dry pastries, blue cheeses and fruit tarts. Half-bottle format.

At a glance: Zibibbo 100% · 14.5% ABV · 0.375 l · Donnafugata, Pantelleria (TP)