Donnafugata Ben Ryé Passito di Pantelleria DOC 2007

From my online review of Donnafugata Ben Rye 2007 at http://www.dalluva.com/wine-journal/5-italian-wines-that-know-how-to-party/ Off the southern coast of Sicily, smack dab in the middle of the Mediterranean and a stones throw away from rebellious Tunisia lies the tiny, sirocco-swept island of Pantelleria. This island is heavenly to visit on holiday in July and August, but there’s a drying wind that constantly blows late in the fall, desiccating the Zibibbo grape (think Moscato) grown here into nearly raisins. It gets so windy here that the wine producers grow the grapes in low, circular bundles to protect the grappoli (bunches) from being knocked off the vine. This is extreme wine making at its most passionate, and Pantelleria has a long history of making mind-blowing sweet wines. Donnafugata makes about 10,000 bottles of this rare and extraordinary wine, which they named Ben Ryé, from the Arabic “Son of the Wind”. The nose has a whole lot going on, with sweet spices, brown sugar and stone fruits wafting up from the glass. On the palate it’s a kaleidoscope of flavors – apricot, grilled peaches, vanilla, baking spices, and remarkably balanced acidity that makes for a not-too-sweet experience. I drink this as a dessert in itself, but you can pair it with panna cotta, crème brulee, or just dip little almond biscotti in it. If you’re into bleu cheeses, pair them with Ben Ryé. Both the 2007 and 2008 vintages are fantastic, so pick up whichever one you can find. If this wine doesn’t blow you away, I’ll turn in my Sommelier certification.