|
Comments
Founded by a Sicilian family with 150 years of premium winemaking experience, Donnafugata means "fleeing woman" and refers to Queen Maria Carolina, who in the 19th century took refuge in western Sicily where the vineyards are today.
Made from ripe native Zibibbo (zee-BEE-boh) grapes (Muscato d' Alessandria) that are then and sun and wind-dried (passito) on the volcanic island of Pantelleria, Ben Rye (meaning "Son of the wind" in Arabic) is a complex and exotic dessert wine with a bright amber gold color, and intense notes of apricot, peach, citrus peel, honey and dried figs.
The grapes come from 11 different areas of the island having unique micro-climates that determine different times of maturity. After August 15, harvesting begins by picking the grapes that will be left to dry naturally by the sun and the wind for 20-30 days. In September, the less precocious vineyards are harvested. The fresh grapes are cooled to preserve their aromas and then soft-pressed to obtain the must. During the course of fermentation, the dried grapes, that have been de-stemmed by hand, are added several times. The phase of maceration of the dried grape in the must is delicate and essential to obtain the extraordinary qualities of persuasive sweetness, freshness and special aroma. The wine then ages in stainless steel tanks for at least 4 months and 6 months in the bottle.
More specifically, the 2009 vintage on Pantelleria featured climatic conditions that were extremely well balanced, which permitted perfect ripening of the grapes. The Ben Ryé of this vintage is characterized by an excellent equilibrium between structures of acids and sugars. The color is golden yellow with brilliant amber reflections. The bouquet is full and seductive with scents of ripe apricots and Mediterranean underbrush. In the mouth the wine is encompassing with notes of candied citrus fruit and honey. There is a delicate mineral touch in the finish with shadings that recall flint. The 2009 is an excellent expression of the terroir and of the Ben Ryé style, which is complex, pleasant and elegant. Great longevity is expected.
"A terrific, electric Italian sweetie, offering syrupy layers of Turkish apricot, date, candied citrus zest and lemon drop flavors that remain focused and concentrated through the almond skin- and tobacco-tinged finish. Complex, with excellence length. Zibibbo. Drink now through 2019. 500 cases imported." –NW - 94 points, Wine Spectator
"The 2009 Ben Rye bursts from the glass with an exciting array of tangerine blossoms, sage, flowers of all sorts, candied orange peel and burnt sugar. Everything comes together beautifully in this explosive wine that lives up to its reputation as one of Italy's most pedigreed dessert wines. The 2009 is an extroverted Ben Rye full of character. Marzipan and pistachios are among the sensations that linger on an evocative finish full of Mediterranean intrigue. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2019." - 93 points, Wine Advocate
|
