D for SWEET, discovering the best SWEET WINES of the Bel Paese!

How many people really know what passito wines are?

During the festive period, with many desserts on the tables, we often come across SWEET WINES , belonging to an attractive and greedy world, but not everyone is aware of the notable differences between one passito wine and another.

In Italy, the production of passito wines boasts a long tradition and includes some of the most refined and appreciated expressions in the world wine scene, such as the passito wines from Friuli or those from Pantelleria.

These wines constitute a cultural and oenological heritage, reflecting the techniques handed down from generation to generation and the intimate connection between the territory and its fruits.

From the traditional drying method emerge Italian passito wines, both sweet and dry, each with a residual sugar and an alcohol profile that varies according to the duration of fermentation and the degree of drying of the grapes.

Sweet wines, characterized by a significant residual sugar, offer palettes of extraordinary aromaticity, such as Ramandolo di Toblar , an intense and complex wine, which proves to be an excellent companion for foie gras.

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But how are passito wines produced?

From a technical point of view, drying can take place directly in the vineyard or after harvesting, and each method leaves a unique imprint on the final result, endowing the wines with distinctive characteristics.

Usually, the grapes are left to ripen on the vine well beyond their natural ripeness, entering a phase of overripeness which intensifies their sugar concentration, while reducing acidity. This process is enriched by the formation of "noble rot", which helps to further enrich the wine with additional layers of complexity and softness.

Drying can also take place off-vine, in controlled environments, where the bunches are left to dehydrate on racks or in ventilated fruit racks, ensuring homogeneous dehydration. This method can include forced drying, where meticulous control of environmental conditions ensures that each grape reaches the perfect state of concentration before winemaking.

Through drying, the grapes acquire a unique character, as demonstrated by Ramandolo di Toblar , a jewel of the Colli Orientali del Friuli DOCG. Here, the Verduzzo Friulano grapes, of noble native origins, reach their highest expression, transforming into a nectar of unparalleled richness.

A complex mosaic of aromas which, combined with a sweet but balanced, soft and at the same time lively palate, evokes the sensation of a warm embrace from which one would never want to detach.

Tasting Toblar's Ramandolo means embarking on a journey through history and terroir, an experience that tells of passion; it is not simply a wine, but an emblem of how respect for nature and the art of winemaking can come together in a glass of incomparable beauty.

Ramandolo Docg - Toblar

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Even in Liguria, passito wines represent an essential reality, as demonstrated by the example of Podere Grecale's Moscatello di Taggia , produced in the bright setting of the Western Ligurian Riviera, where the hills blend harmoniously with the sea.

This precious nectar comes from Moscato Bianco vines, whose winemaking follows methods that respect traditions and the environment: a natural drying on the plants for approximately 20-30 days follows, followed by delicate pressing and intentionally slow fermentation.

It presents itself on the nose with an intense bouquet, a foretaste of an engaging and rich tasting, and on the palate it stands out for its sweetness, balanced by a welcoming sensation of warmth and notable persistence.

The complexity and harmony of the flavors make Moscatello di Taggia the ideal companion to end the meal, pairing perfectly with baked desserts, dry pastries, tarts and other delicacies.

Moscatello Di Taggia Passito DOC - Podere Grecale

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Finally, Passiti di Pantelleria represent one of the great Italian classics, where attention to detail is fundamental. In fact, the grapes intended for these wines must have natural acidity and robust skins to resist drying without being compromised by unwanted mold.

Donnafugata's "Ben Ryé" is one of the most excellent expressions of this area. Its name evokes the poetic figure of the "daughter of the wind", a tribute to the wild and uncontaminated nature of Pantelleria, an island kissed by the sun and caressed by constant winds.

Produced from Zibibbo grapes, subjected to a careful natural drying process in the sun, this wine is capable of releasing rich and fruity aromas. On the palate, it stands out for an extraordinary fusion of sweetness and softness, accompanied by a flavor that captures the very essence of the island.

Ben Ryé invites you to explore the depths of taste, where each sip reveals layers of intricate and fascinating flavors, testifying to a perfect balance that only nature and skilled human intervention can orchestrate.

Passito Pantelleria "Ben Rye" Doc - Donnafugata

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From the volcanic soils of Pantelleria to the rolling hills of the north, passito wines tell the story of its land, witnesses of Italian biodiversity and the indissoluble bond between man and nature.

Now it's your turn, leave the clichés aside and discover these little gems!