Passito di Pantelleria DOC 2022
WINEMAKING
The production of this passito wine requires a very long process and meticulous attention. The grapes are harvested at three different times: the first in mid-August for grapes suitable for drying for 30-40 days - “raisin grapes”; the second at the end of August for grapes suitable for drying for 10-15 days - “passolata grapes”; and the third in September for the production of still wine.
The grapes from the first two harvests are left to dry in the sun and wind, so that the water contained in the berries evaporates, the sugars and acidity become concentrated and the skins turn golden. When ready, the raisined grapes are crushed and destemmed together with the grapes from the third harvest and left to macerate on the skins for about 48-72 hours. This must reaches a potential alcohol content of 17-18°C. When all the sugars in this must have been converted into alcohol, the wine is removed from its lees. The raisins are “destemmed” by hand, i.e. each grape is removed from the stalk that attaches it to the bunch. This operation takes place when the grapes have reached the right stage of drying and when the wine obtained from the raisins and fresh grapes is ready. The destemmed and dried grapes are then gradually added to this wine. During this infusion maceration, which lasts about three months, the wine enters each grape and dissolves the sugars, releasing aromatic substances; the alcohol content is reduced by dilution to 14%. The production ratio requires the use of 40kg of dried grapes for every hectolitre of still wine. The aroma and density of the wine increase thanks to the high concentration of residual sugars. After maceration by infusion, the grapes are pressed. The wine is stored in stainless steel and then bottled.
TASTING NOTES
What is most striking about this vintage is its incredible density and length on the palate: the aromas of dried figs, almonds and dehydrated apricots are expressed with marked intensity. The nose is more subtle, but equally complex.
HARVEST 2022
The vintage was generally regular, with rainfall concentrated in the spring. Temperatures were in line with the average for recent years. Despite a few warmer-than-average days in June, the vintage was of excellent quality.