One of the great classics when it comes to Sicilian sweet white wines: sweetness and delicacy encapsulated in a single sip. We are in Noto, in the southernmost part of Sicily, where, in 1988, the Planeta winery decided to establish the Buonivini estate – a name that immediately raises expectations – to give an identity to a Sicilian wine-growing region with great potential. Here, in the Agliastro and Buonivini vineyards, amidst white and limestone soils, Moscato Bianco is cultivated – one of the oldest grape varieties in the world – which goes by the name of Passito Bianco di Noto. The harvest takes place at the end of August, when the bunches are ripe and rich in sugar, and they are left in 5kg crates in a ventilated room, at a temperature of 23 degrees, for around 40 days, so that the drying process causes the bunches to lose about half their weight and thus concentrates their sugar content. At this point, the grapes are pressed, yielding a sugar-rich must which is left to rest in steel vats until bottling. 569 kJ/136 kcal per 100 ml
Moscato Bianco is a wine with great ageing potential; as the saying goes, ‘time works in the wine’s favour’: as soon as it is poured into the glass, the Moscato glistens with its golden colour, with small luminous highlights; notes of papaya, quince and rose petals are the result of natural drying, which allows the creation of these characteristic tertiary aromas, which we find on the palate, accompanied by hints of candied ginger and nougat.
A wine with a delicate sweetness, pleasant and not cloying, to be enjoyed after dinner or at the end of a meal. It pairs perfectly with a dessert, whether dry like a sbrisolona or in slices like a cheesecake, and is perfect for sharing with friends for a high-quality finishing touch.
To fully appreciate its style, this wine should be served at a temperature of 12–14°C.
