Donnafugata Ben Ryé Passito di Pantelleria

Pantelleria, Italy

Italy's most celebrated Passito di Pantelleria — sun-dried Zibibbo grapes on volcanic basalt producing extraordinary golden sweetness: apricot jam, orange peel, honey, dried figs, caramelized almonds, and volcanic mineral complexity. Rich but balanced by natural acidity and volcanic freshness. One of Italy's great dessert wines.

Pairing intelligence

• dessert: Pantellerian wine and Sicilian pastry — Ben Ryé's orange peel and almond character mirrors the cannoli filling; the wine's sweetness and acidity provide the perfect counterpoint to the crispy shell
• cheese: The wine's apricot and honey sweetness is the ideal partner for blue cheese; walnuts echo the wine's almond character; pear bridges the wine's fruit intensity