Passito di Pantelleria DOC wine: Characteristics and Production

Passito di Pantelleria DOC wine: Characteristics and Production

May 01, 2023

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Cristiano Aprigliano

The Vino Passito di Pantelleria DOC is a sweet and aromatic wine that comes from the island of Pantelleria, located in the Mediterranean Sea between Sicily and Tunisia. This wine is a high quality product, appreciated both in Italy and abroad. In this article, we will discover the characteristics of Passito di Pantelleria and the production process that makes it so unique.

Introduction to Passito di Pantelleria DOC wine

Passito di Pantelleria DOC is a sweet wine made from Zibibbo grapes, which are left to dry in the sun for several days before being harvested. The production of this wine dates back to ancient times and developed thanks to the particular conformation of the territory of the island of Pantelleria, which allows to obtain grapes with a high concentration of sugars.

Characteristics of the Passito di Pantelleria

The Passito di Pantelleria DOC wine has an intense amber color and an intense and persistent aroma of ripe fruit, honey and spices. On the palate, this sweet wine has great softness and roundness, balanced by good acidity. The organoleptic characteristics of this wine make it perfect to accompany desserts, aged cheeses and fruit-based dishes.

Sensory profile of Passito di Pantelleria

  • Color: intense amber
  • Aroma: intense and persistent of ripe fruit, honey and spices
  • Taste: sweet, soft and round, with good acidity
  • Pairing: desserts, aged cheeses, fruit-based dishes

Production of Passito di Pantelleria DOC

The production process of the Passito di Pantelleria DOC is very particular and requires great attention to detail. Once harvested, the Zibibbo grapes are left to dry in the sun for a period that can vary from one week to one month. During this period, the grapes lose their water and the sugars and aromas become concentrated. The dried grapes are then pressed and the must is fermented slowly, until it reaches an alcohol content of about 13%. The refinement process of the Passito di Pantelleria DOC lasts at least two years, during which the wine acquires its unique structure and aroma.

Production process of the Passito di Pantelleria DOC

  1. Harvesting of Zibibbo grapes
  2. Withering of the grapes in the sun for 1-4 weeks
  3. Press of the dried grapes
  4. Fermentation of the must at controlled temperature
  5. Aging of the wine in wooden barrels for at least 2 years

Conclusion

Passito di Pantelleria DOC is a high quality wine, with unique organoleptic characteristics and a very particular production process. This sweet and aromatic wine is appreciated both in Italy and abroad and represents one of the enological excellences of the island of Pantelleria. If you haven't tasted it yet, don't miss the chance to taste this treasure of the Mediterranean.

Frequently asked questions about the Passito di Pantelleria DOC wine

  1. Is Passito di Pantelleria a sweet or dry wine? Passito di Pantelleria is a sweet wine, obtained from grapes dried in the sun.

  2. What are the organoleptic characteristics of Passito di Pantelleria wine? It has an intense amber color, an intense and persistent aroma of ripe fruit, honey and spices and a sweet, soft and round taste, balanced by good acidity.

  3. What are the dishes that go well with Passito di Pantelleria? It goes perfectly with desserts, aged cheeses and fruit-based dishes.

  4. What is the production process of Pantelleria Passito wine? The production process involves harvesting the Zibibbo grapes, drying them in the sun for several days, pressing the dried grapes and fermenting the must at a controlled temperature. The wine is then aged in wooden barrels for at least two years.

  5. Where can I buy Passito di Pantelleria? It is available at the best online wine shops such as Bottle of Italy. Discover all the Passitos


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