Passito Di Pantelleria DOC Flashcards
(22 cards)
Where is Passito di Pantelleria DOC located?
It is a small volcanic satellite island south west of SIcilia. It is closer to Africa than Sicilia.
Which grape is used to craft Passito di Pantelleria ?
For over 2000 years the Zibbibo grape has been used.
Where does Passito di Pantelleria sit among sweet wines of the world?
It is among the finest in the world.
Where is the name Pantelleria derived from?
Arabic phrase meaning “daughter of the wind”.
By what name is Pantelleria also known?
“Black Pearl of the Mediterranean”. It is the largest of Italy’s volcanic satellite islands.
Which winds have shaped the landscape and inhabitants of Pantelleria?
The Mistral and the Sirocco which are ever present.
What is the alternative name for the Zibbibo grape?
Moscato di Alessandria reflecting its Egyptian origin. It was brought to the island by Arabs.
What is the origin of the Zibbibo name?
Arabic word “zabib” meaning “dried grape”. It was originally grown as a table grape and for raisins.
Why is Passito di Pantelleria regarded as a product of “heroic viticulture”?
The island environment is very harsh. There is scarce rainfall, groundwater almost non-existent and constant winds assault the vines.
How are the vines planted in Pantelleria to cope with its environment?
Vines are grown close to the ground in shallow depressions which protect them from the winds and conserve moisture.
How are the grapes of Pantelleria harvested?
They must be picked by hand and the winemaking process is intensive.
What makes Passito di Pantelleria special?
Despite the challenges the wines are rich, full-bodied and lusciously sweet. The best examples feature balancing acidity the hints at the saline sea spray the buffets the shores.
What is the structure of Passito di Pantelleria wines?
Body - Full;
Acidity - Balancing;
ABV - low.
What are common descriptors of young Passito di Pantelleria wines?
Apricot, marmlade, date, sage, candied fig, orange blossom, candied peach and lemon.
What are common descriptors of aged Passito di Pantelleria wines?
Nutty, chocolately notes.
How many harvests are required for Passito di Pantelleria to be made?
Two - one in late August and a second in September.
What happens to the first harvest of Zibbibo grapes?
They are laid out on racks and left to wither naturally in the sun and wind for up to a month.
What happens to the second harvest of Zibbibo grapes?
These grapes are pressed and the must is fermented straight away.
What happens during the fermentation of the second harvest of Zibbibo grapes?
The dried grapes from the first harvest are added in several lots to the fermentation.
What does adding the dried grapes do to the first fermentation of Zibbibo grapes?
They macerate in the fermenting must and release flavour, colour, sweetness and acidity.
How long does the Passito Di Pantelleria fermentation last overall?
Over a month or until the right balance of sweetness and acidity is achieved.
What is the ageing requirement for Passito di Pantelleria wines?
A minimum of six months before release. Most producers vary.
