Donnafugata Ben Rye Passito

100% Muscat of Alexandria (locally called Zibbibo) from old bush vines. Two harvests take place, one in August and the other in September. The first crop is air-dried naturally in the hot Mediterranean sun; the grapes becoming ‘semi-sultanas’ and concentrating the sugars and aromas. The second harvest consist of extremely ripe, but not dried, grapes, which are pressed. During fermentation, the dried grapes are added to the must in small batches, where they release their flavours and aromas into the wine. The wine is aged in stainless steel vats for at least 7 months, followed by 12 months in bottles.

Intense notes of stone fruits and honey. Dessert in a bottle.

Pantelleria is a small, volcanic island southwest of Sicily. The Muscat of Alexandria is considered one of the finest clones of Muscat – whose vines thrive in the hot Mediterranean climate – and the volcanic origin of the island lends to the fertile, mineral rich soil. Ben Ryé is an arabic term for ‘son of the wind’, referring to the island’s blustery winds that constantly sweep through the vineyards.