Donnafugata "Ben Rye" Passito di Pantelleria DOC 2023 [375 ml]
(Sicily, Italy) - [VM 94]

About the Wine:
DIALOGUE WITH ART: from the Arabic term "Son of the Wind" because the wind sweeps constantly around the grape clusters on Pantelleria. And the island's winds bring with them a profusion of fragrances so powerful that you can touch them. An author label telling the love, the care and the effort

Vineyard Notes:
PRODUCTION AREA: island of Pantelleria (South-Western Sicily); districts of Khamma, Tracino, Mueggen, Serraglia, Gibbiuna, Barone, Martingana, Bukkuram, Favarotta, Punta Karace, Bugeber, Karuscia.
TERRAINS & 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.

Winemaking Notes:
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.

Tasting Notes:
Ben Ryé 2023 has a golden color with bright amber hues. The very intense bouquet ranges from fruity notes of apricot, yellow peach and candied orange peel to tropical hints of mango and papaya, followed by hints of Mediterranean scrub. On the palate, the fruity hints of aromatic herbs are combined with sweet nuances of honey. Intense and persistent, with an extraordinary balance between freshness and sweetness, Ben Ryè is a captivating Passito di Pantelleria, among wines most popular desserts in the world.

Technical Info:
Denomination: Passito di Pantelleria DOC
Grapes: Zibibbo (Muscat of Alexandria)
Alcohol: 14.4% ABV
Total acidity: 7.2 g/l
pH: 3.78
Sugar content: 197 g/l

Ratings & Reviews

94+ Points - Vinous Media:
"Exotic yet remarkably fresh, the 2023 Ben Ryé bursts from the glass with a seductive blend of white raisins, minty herbs, poached peaches and tropical citrus. It is weighty, rich and harmonious throughout, coming across as sweet but not cloyingly so. Ultra-ripe pit fruit combines with candied lemon and a crisp mineral tinge that adds form toward the close. Dramatically long, the 2023 leaves a resonance of sour melon and an air of confectionary spice while cleaning up well, leaving the palate completely refreshed. (Drink between 2025-2035)." - Eric Guido (July 2025)