About this wine
Ben Ryé is an iconic Italian dessert wine produced on the volcanic island of Pantelleria. Crafted from Zibibbo grapes dried under the Mediterranean sun, it offers an extraordinary aromatic complexity. The nose reveals intense notes of dried apricots, candied orange peel, honey, and Mediterranean herbs. On the palate, it is perfectly balanced between luscious sweetness and vibrant acidity, leading to a remarkably long and persistent finish that captures the essence of its unique terroir.
The ultimate introduction to Italian sweet wines — one sip of this sun-dried Zibibbo will transform how you think about dessert wine.
Sommelier's Note
"Sicily's liquid gold — volcanic Pantelleria and sun-dried Zibibbo create Italy's most legendary dessert wine."
Food Pairings
Pairs exceptionally well with blue cheeses, foie gras, fruit-based desserts, almond pastries, and dark chocolate. Also a sublime companion to Japanese sweets such as yokan and mochi with red bean paste.
When to drink it
Perfect for a meditative end to a fine dinner, special celebrations, pairing with dessert, or as a luxurious gift for wine connoisseurs.
Specs
- Grape Varieties
- Zibibbo (Moscato d'Alessandria)
- Style
- White, Sweet
- Price Range
- ¥8,000–¥12,000
Terroir & Winemaking
100% Zibibbo (Moscato d'Alessandria) from volcanic soils on Pantelleria island. A portion of the harvest is sun-dried for approximately 20-30 days to concentrate sugars and aromas. Fermentation occurs in stainless steel tanks with the addition of dried grapes to the must. Aged for several months in tanks followed by at least 12 months of bottle aging.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What does Ben Ryé taste like?
- It delivers a concentrated explosion of dried apricots, honey, candied orange peel, and Mediterranean herbs with a refreshing acidity that prevents it from feeling heavy.
- How is Ben Ryé made?
- Zibibbo grapes from Pantelleria's volcanic soils are partially sun-dried for 20-30 days to concentrate sugars, then fermented in stainless steel tanks with dried grape must added.
- What foods pair best with Ben Ryé?
- It pairs perfectly with blue cheese, foie gras, almond-based pastries, and Japanese sweets such as yokan and mochi.
- Can Ben Ryé age?
- Yes — it is delicious now but has the potential to age beautifully for over 15 years in a proper cellar, developing even greater complexity.
- What does 'Ben Ryé' mean?
- Ben Ryé means 'son of the wind' in Arabic, a tribute to the Sirocco wind that shapes the unique terroir of Pantelleria.
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