Ben Ryé 1.5L Wooden Box - Donnafugata

Ben Ryé 2023 Passito Donnafugata: 1.5L Magnum Format in an Elegant Wooden Box

Donnafugata's Ben Ryé 2023 represents one of the highest expressions of Sicilian winemaking excellence. Offered in this prestigious 1.5-liter Magnum bottle inside a refined wooden box, it is the perfect gift for lovers of great sweet wines and for those looking to enrich their cellar with a product boasting incredible aging potential.

Origin and Processing

This extraordinary Passito di Pantelleria DOC is born in south-western Sicily, on the sandy soils of volcanic origin on the island of Pantelleria, between 20 and 400 meters above sea level. The Zibibbo vines are cultivated using the low alberello pantesco method, a heroic and sustainable agricultural practice inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. The 2023 vintage was challenging, characterized by abundant spring rains (589 mm in total compared to an average of 473 mm) and intense heat in July. This required rigorous selection in the vineyard, resulting in less compact clusters but of excellent quality.

The harvest, strictly manual in small crates, lasts for weeks: in mid-August, the grapes destined for drying are picked, followed by those for the fresh must. In the cellar, vinification is a meticulous work of art: hand-destemmed dried grapes are added to the fermenting must in several stages. This slow process lasts over a month, allowing the release of an invaluable wealth of sweetness and aromatics, followed by aging for 5 months in tanks and at least 16 months in the bottle.

Sensory Profile

In the glass, Ben Ryé 2023 catches the eye with its golden color and bright amber reflections. The bouquet is an explosion of intense aromas: typical notes of raisins, apricot, citrus, and candied orange peel stand out, making way for elegant scents of Mediterranean scrub. On the palate, it is enveloping, bringing back the fruity notes enriched by balsamic hints and sweet honey nuances. It is an intense and persistent wine, characterized by a perfect and surprising balance between vibrant freshness and deep sweetness.

Usage Tips and Pairings

Ben Ryé is the ultimate meditation wine, to be sipped slowly to appreciate every nuance. At the table, it pairs magnificently with dry pastries and chocolate. For a gourmet experience in pure Sicilian style, we suggest pairing it with an Artisanal tart with sheep's milk ricotta cream and dark chocolate flakes: the freshness of the wine will balance the sweetness of the pastry, while the honeyed notes will enhance the softness of the ricotta. It is also surprising when paired with savory foods: try it with aged or characterful blue cheeses, or with the intensity of tuna bottarga. It is recommended to serve it in medium-sized glasses at a temperature of 12-14°C. It can be uncorked just before pouring.

Strengths

• 🌋 UNESCO Heroic Viticulture: Zibibbo grapes grown as alberello pantesco on terraced volcanic soils.
• 🍇 Artisanal Craftsmanship: Hand-destemmed dried grapes gradually added to the fermenting must.
• 🎁 Exclusive Packaging: The majestic 1.5L Magnum format housed in a wooden box makes it a collector's piece.
• ⏳ Long-lasting: An oenological masterpiece capable of evolving and refining in the bottle for over 20 years.

Values and Philosophy

The name "Ben Ryé" comes from Arabic and means "Son of the wind," a tribute to the constant breeze that caresses the grapes on the island of Pantelleria, bringing with it aromas so dense they can almost be touched. Donnafugata's artistic label is a celebration of the love, dedication, and hard work required by viticulture on this unique island. Through integrated pest management agronomic practices and eco-sustainable management, Donnafugata protects this fragile and wonderful Mediterranean ecosystem.

Technical Data

• Product Name: Ben Ryé 2023
• Appellation: Passito di Pantelleria DOC
• Grapes: 100% Zibibbo
• Production Area: Pantelleria Island, South-western Sicily
• Format: 1.5 Liters (Magnum)
• Packaging: Wooden box
• Alcohol Content: 14.5% vol.
• Residual Sugars: 199 g/L
• Total Acidity: 7.9 g/L
• pH: 3.87
• Serving Temperature: 12-14°C
• Longevity: Over 20 years
• First Vintage: 1989