One of the true classics when it comes to Sicilian sweet white wines: encapsulating sweetness and delicacy on the palate. We are in Noto, in the southernmost part of Sicily, and, in 1988, the Planeta winery established the Buonivini estate (a name which already brings certain expectations to mind) to give identity to a Sicilian wine territory with huge potential. Here, on the Agliastro and Buonivini Vineyards amidst white soil and limestone, Moscato Bianco – one of the oldest vineyards in the world – is cultivated and given the name Passito Bianco di Noto. Harvesting takes place at the end of August, when the grapes are ripe and rich in sugar, and they remain in 5 kg crates in a ventilated room, at a temperature of 23 degrees, for about 40 days, so that the drying technique causes the bunches to lose about half their weight and thus concentrate their sugar content. This is followed by pressing, resulting in a must rich in sugars that stays in stainless steel tanks until bottling. Moscato Bianco is a wine with great ageing potential (as they say in the region, “time works for wine”): as soon as it is poured into the glass, Moscato shimmers in its golden colour, with small luminous reflections; notes of papaya, quince and rose petals are the result of the natural drying that allows the creation of these characteristic tertiary aromas, which we then find on tasting, accompanied by touches of candied ginger and nougat. A wine with a subtle sweetness, pleasant and not excessively sweet to drink after dinner or at the end of a meal. In perfect harmony with a dessert, like a sbrisolona almond cake or a slice of cheesecake, it’s perfect to drink in good company at the end of a meal.
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