In 1989 we fell in love with the extreme nature of Pantelleria, a volcanic island between Sicily and Africa. Since then, we have started an innovative project of quality and heroic viticulture.
At Pantelleria the vines are cultivated on very low “Pantelleria” alberellos, on small terraces, bordered by drystone walls made with lava stones (listed as Unesco World Heritage Status). A context that requires a sizeable workforce, about three times the average requirement of a quality-oriented vineyard while also including the maintenance of about 40 km of drystone walls.
Hectares
Contradas
Recovered drystone walls
Hectares of olive groves
Altitudes from 20 to 400 m. a.s.l., complex orography, typically volcanic with land cultivated mainly on terraces. Sandy soils of volcanic origin with sub-acid or neutral reaction (pH from 6.5 to 7); deep and loose soil, well endowed with minerals.
The vines are cultivated manually inside hollows on low Pantelleria alberellos, registered in the Unesco World Heritage list. Plant density from 2500 to 3600 plants per hectare with yields ranging from 40-60 quintals per hectare; 1.6 – 2 kg per plant.
Mild winters with little rain (460 mm per year). Breezy summers favour the quality of the grapes on the plant and on the trellises while drying, acting as a “natural fungicide”.
A deep love for our land has always been in the soul of Donnafugata. A desire to produce quality wines that respect the environment: “From the vineyard to the bottle, there is no quality without sustainability”
We have recovered, and we maintain every year, over 40 km of drystone walls made of lava stones (Unesco World Heritage Status), which help to prevent the soil erosion, protect the landscape and the biodiversity.
The UN Agenda 2030
Goal 15- Life on earth
In 1999 we restored a Zibibbo vineyard with several ungrafted plants over 100 years old: unique vines, an example of agricultural resilience, capable of resisting drought and giving Ben Ryé an exceptional aromatic profile.
The UN Agenda 2030
Goal 2- Zero hunger
Each district differs in sun exposure and altitude ranging from 20 metres above sea level to 400 metres, a multiplicity of micro-terroirs that gives to the grapes unique characteristics
Soil:sandy of volcanic origin (pH 6.3)
Total limestone 14%
Altitude:60 m a.s.l.
Exposition:North/Northeast
Soil:sandy of volcanic origin (pH 6.7)
Total limestone 14%
Altitude:175 m a.s.l.
Exposition:Northwest
Soil:sandy of volcanic origin (pH 6.3)
Total limestone 14%
Altitude:100 m a.s.l.
Exposition:Northwest
Soil:sandy of volcanic origin (pH 6.3)
Total limestone 13%
Altitude:180 m a.s.l.
Exposition:North
Soil:sandy of volcanic origin (pH 6.3)
Total limestone 14%
Altitude:130-200 m a.s.l.
Exposition:Northeast
Soil:rocky and sandy of volcanic origin (pH 7)
Total limestone 14%
Altitude:60-100 m a.s.l.
Exposition:Northeast
Soil:sandy of volcanic origin (pH 6.3)
Total limestone 14%
Altitude:200-330 m a.s.l.
Exposition:East
Soil:sandy of volcanic origin (pH 6.3)
Total limestone 14%
Altitude:130 a.s.l.
Exposition:East
Soil:sandy of volcanic origin (pH 5.9)
Total limestone 13%
Altitude:160 m a.s.l.
Exposition:flat
Soil:sandy of volcanic origin (pH 6)
Total limestone 8%
Altitude:290 m a.s.l.
Exposition:East
Soil:sandy of volcanic origin (pH 5.9)
Total limestone 13%
Altitude:180 m a.s.l.
Exposition:East
Soil:sandy of volcanic origin (pH 6)
Total limestone 8%
Altitude:340 m a.s.l.
Exposition:East
Soil:sandy of volcanic origin (pH 6.9)
Total limestone 8%h
Altitude:30-60 m a.s.l.
Exposition:South
Soil:sandy of volcanic origin (pH 6.6)
Total limestone 14%
Altitude:210 m a.s.l.
Exposition:Northwest
In the terraces, we cultivate 7 hectares of one hundred-year-old olive trees of the Biancolilla cultivar; our olive groves are pruned horizontally and to a height of just over 1 metre, the yield is very low and they are harvested manually. A tailor-made process that originates our delicate extra virgin olive oil Biancolilla.
Guided tours, professional tastings and refined combinations with specialties of local cuisine await you. A hospitality that you can enjoy all year round.