On the Tiny Island of Pantelleria, Heroic Viticulture Produces Some of the Best Wines in the World — But it Isn't Easy

"Donnafugata Winery, located on the island of Pantelleria, is one of Sicily’s leading wineries. It is renowned for producing the most famous Passito di Pantelleria, Ben Ryé, known for its rich caramel and apricot notes. The winery practices heroic agriculture on the island, which involves cultivating the land in extreme conditions using primarily manual capacity. They produce wines from the Zibibbo grape variety, including Lighea, a dry white wine with orange blossom and bergamot notes; Kabir, a sweet yet fresh Moscato di Pantelleria with passionfruit and orange blossom notes; and Ben Ryé, an intensely rich Passito di Pantelleria with honey notes as it ages. The winery’s practices encourage sustainable practices and protect the island's biodiversity." - Laura Itzkowitz