Donnafugata Ben Rye 2022 (375ml)
Product price
Description
Donnafugata's Ben Ryè is a Passito di Pantelleria made from Muscat of Alexandria grown on the volcanic island of Pantelleria off Sicily's coast. The 2022 vintage is bottled in a half-liter format, ideal for savoring this concentrated dessert wine over time.
The wine presents a deep amber color that signals its intensity. Aromas of chocolate-covered figs, orange marmalade, sultanas, and burnt blood orange meld with autumnal spices, candied ginger, and dried stone fruits, while hints of eucalyptus and mint add complexity. The palate is weighty and velvety yet retains remarkable freshness, flooded with tropical citrus, mango, and papaya. What prevents this from feeling heavy is a core of zippy acidity and a saline, almost anchovy-like minerality that cuts through the sweetness and keeps the finish from cloying. Peach nectar and savory spices linger with dramatic length. This wine ages gracefully; it will develop greater breadth and depth over time.
Product Details
| Category | Wine |
| Color | White |
| Country | Italy |
| Region | Sicily |
| Subregion | Passito di Pantelleria |
| Varietal | Muscat of Alexandria |
| Producer | Donnafugata |
| Vintage | 2022 |
| Size | 375 ML |
| Subtype | Still |
Expert Reviews
One of the best renditions ever of this iconic Passito di Pantelleria, the 2022 Ben Ryè sports a deep and dense amber colour that anticipates luscious aromas of chocolate-covered figs, orange marmalade and sultanas, perfectly evoking the dazzling luminosity permeating the island. All this exuberant sweetness is kept in check by refreshing touches of oriental spice, eucalyptus and iodine, leading to a raisiny, mouth-coating palate that still retains remarkable balance and lift. Noteworthy acidity and anchovy-like salinity support a decadent but not cloying finish that will acquire even greater breadth with longer ageing, as shown by an umami-tinged 2017 poured alongside.
Burnt blood orange, autumnal spices, candied ginger, dried nectarines and a lifting hint of mint create a kaleidoscopic bouquet as the 2022 Ben Ryé blossoms in the glass. Weighty and velvety in feel yet remarkably fresh, it floods the palate with masses of tropical citrus, mango and papaya, all supported by a core of zesty acidity. The 2022 finishes with dramatic length and concentration. A peach nectar resonance and savory spices linger on and on. The 2022 is sure to join the ranks of the best vintages of Ben Ryé. It finished at 200 grams per liter of residual sugar.