Type: Naturally Sweet White - Moscato di Pantelleria DOP
Alcoholic content: 11,5-12,5% alc/vol.
Grapes: Zibibbo (Moscato d'Alessandria). Trained in an extremely low bush typical of Pantelleria and pruned short. Planting density: 2,500 vines per hectare (1,011 an acre); and production of about 4 tons per hectare (1.62 tons an acre). Volcanic terrain rich in minerals.
Wine-making: The grapes are harvested during the first ten days of September when they are very mature - this is clear from their unmistakable golden colour. The grapes are soft-pressed and fermented in stainless steel vats at controlled temperatures. The wine is released after aging in bottles for at least 4 months.
Description: An elegant expression of the Zibibbo variety, this wine offers a clean and fresh bouquet with scents of melon, orange peel, rose and honey. The lively flavours balance the natural sweetness and moderate alcohol perfectly, producing a harmonious wine that fully reflects the character of the terroir it originates from.
Food & Wine: The wine is perfect with savoury cheeses, white fruit pies, fruit salads and baked desserts with lemon peel. Try it with bottarga (cured tuna roe) and smoked, not marinated, fish. Goat’s cheese.
Two dishes: Spaghettoni con la bottarga (large spaghetti with salted and dried roel). Pesce spada affumicato alle erbe aromatiche (smoked swordfish with herbs).
Serve: In small, tulip-shaped goblets, slightly bellied; uncork when the wine is to be served; best at a temperature of 10-12°C (50-54°F).
Curiosity: The name is derived from the Arabic term "The Great," because the wine is made in the shadow of the imposing Ben Ryé and because this extremely delicate Moscato constantly surprises and enchants.