Donnafugata, Ben Ryé Passito Di Pantelleria 2023

Donnafugata Ben Ryé Passito di Pantelleria is one of the estate’s iconic wines, a celebrated dessert wine made from Zibibbo (Muscat of Alexandria) grown on the wind-swept volcanic island of Pantelleria. Its name, meaning “Son of the Wind,” reflects both the island’s dramatic conditions and the remarkable resilience behind this distinctive wine, which has become a benchmark for Passito di Pantelleria.

Tasting Notes
In the glass, Ben Ryé shows a brilliant amber-gold hue. The nose is intensely aromatic and layered, opening with fresh apricot and candied orange peel, then moving into Mediterranean herbal tones of thyme and rosemary. The palate is rich yet wonderfully vibrant, balancing concentrated sweetness with lively acidity, mineral depth, and a juicy, refreshing core. Its long, elegant finish leaves a lingering fruit note and a sense of clarity that keeps the wine feeling lifted rather than heavy. With its structure and concentration, Ben Ryé has outstanding aging potential and can evolve beautifully for up to 30 years.

Production
The grapes come from Pantelleria’s volcanic terroir, where constant winds and intense sun shape the low-yielding Zibibbo vines. Harvest is carried out by hand in two stages: an early selective picking in August and a second harvest in September. After rigorous sorting, part of the crop is dried outdoors in the sun for 3–4 weeks to concentrate sugars and aromas, while the fresh grapes are pressed and fermented in stainless steel. The dried grapes are then added gradually during fermentation to build complexity, sweetness, and aromatic depth. Aging continues for 7 months in stainless steel, followed by at least 12 months in bottle before release.

Food & Serving
Ben Ryé is a superb match for caramelized duck, foie gras, blue cheese, and rich sweet pastries, but it is equally impressive enjoyed on its own. Serve lightly chilled, ideally around 10–12°C, to highlight its aromatic lift and freshness. Decanting is generally not necessary, though a brief aeration can help the wine fully open in its youth.

Producer
Donnafugata is one of Sicily’s most respected family producers, known for expressive wines that combine craftsmanship, innovation, and a deep connection to place. The estate has helped raise the profile of Sicilian fine wine internationally, and Ben Ryé stands as one of its most acclaimed icon wines. Its reputation is built not only on quality and character, but also on the extraordinary work of the growers of Pantelleria, whose traditional viticulture is central to the wine’s identity.

We deliver within 2 - 6 business days. You can choose whether it should be to a parcel shop or home delivery. Free delivery to both parcel shops and your front door. Our store partners primarily use GLS, DPD, UPS and DHL for deliveries. We cover deliveries to the majority of countries in Europe.