Premi

“($40) Golden yellow with a bright orange tinge. Explosive, highly perfumed aromas of ripe apricot, peach, citrus fruits, cinnamon and pepper. Pure and clean, with impressive depth to the ripe citrus and peach flavors; an undercurrent of tropical fruits contributes volume and flesh. The concentrated, very long finish throws off notes of lavender and acacia honey. Perhaps the best-ever Ben Rye, amazingly intense yet elegant and impeccably balanced.. Depending on the vintage, it’s made up of grapes from 3 to 11 vineyards located in different sub-zones on the island of Pantelleria, one of my favorite wine spots and a uniquely beautiful region.” Ian D’Agata

“The folks at Donnafugata, one of Sicily’s most dynamic wineries, have inaugurated a new winery on the volcanic island of Pantelleria fully dedicated to the production of their precious Ben Ryé passito. The amber-colored wine is vibrant, brilliant and its purity of aromas is outstanding. Dried figs, apricot, honey, almond and fragrant herbs are delivered in thick, generous layers. Tingly acidity cleans the palate and powers a long, delectable finish. Made from sun-dried Zibibbo grapes, this wine is the best of its kind and can be paired with sugary treats or, better yet, with Stilton blue cheese or gorgonzola.” Monica Larner

Lots of new changes characterize this vintage. Most importantly, Donnafugata inaugurated a new winery in the Khamma area of Pantelleria. The family’s vineyard holdings had blossomed to 11 different vineyard sites, allowing for micro vinifications and more control on the wine’s style and quality. With the 2006 Passito di Pantelleria Ben Ryé, the Punta Karace, Arco dell’Elefante and Martingana vineyards start to emerge as the top growing sites. This year also saw steep diurnal temperature shifts that contribute to the wine’s complexity and acidity. The 2006 vintage also starts to feel young (compared to the previous wines in this vertical) and promises a long drinking window. The wine is fleshed out and generous.

Quality streak: Steaven Spurrier’s top sicilian pick: “Rich fruit, honeyed sweetness, lifted acidity, stunning presence. Drink now.”

“Utterly delicious, fresh, sweet and modern – all orange peel and complexity. It’s Moscato of Alexandria, alias Zibibbo, both fresh and dried, from 11 different vineyards, and ages well.”

“The 2007 Passito di Pantelleria Ben Rye (Zibibbo) offers compelling notes of candied ginger, dried figs, spices, flowers and minerals. This is a medium-bodied Ben Rye that comes across as especially beautiful, without the cloying heaviness some vintages have had. The 2007 is a great showing for one of Italy’s most unique sweet wines. Anticipated maturity: 2009-2017. This is a very strong showing from Donnafugata and the Rallo family. The wines this year show notable balance and class.” – Antonio Galloni