The Donnafugata company was established in Sicily by the Rallo family whose passion for wine making has elevated the perception of Sicilian wine all over the world. Ben Ryé is one of Italy's best-loved sweet wines. A fine Zibibbo passito produced on Pantelleria, a small island between Sicily and North Africa, also known as the Black Pearl of the Mediterranean. Pure lava stones reveal the volcanic nature of the island, which is also famous for its lack of water and the constant strong winds that blow there all year round. Ben Ryé, from Arabic, means 'Child of the Wind'. Harvesting is done by hand and takes about four weeks. During fermentation of the must, the partially dried grapes are added several times, for approximately one month. Ageing is for about 8 months in stainless steel, followed by 12 months in the bottle. Golden in colour and with luminous amber reflections, Ben Ryé presents an intense bouquet of apricot and candied orange, dried figs, honey and hints of Mediterranean maquis scrub, while on the palate it offers its renowned freshness to balance the sweetness. Excellent paired with blue cheese and foie gras, but also worth trying with dry pastries and fine chocolate. Exceptional when enjoyed on its own, to be sipped leisurely.
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