PANTELLERIA

The altitude varies between 20 and 400 m above sea level, the orography is complex, typically volcanic, with the land predominantly cultivated on terraces. The sandy soils of volcanic origin, with sub-acidic or neutral pH (6.5 to 7), are deep, loose, and rich in minerals.

The vines are cultivated manually in shallow hollows using the traditional “alberello” head-trained bush practice, which is inscribed on the UNESCO list of intangible cultural heritage. Plant density of 2500 to 3600 plants/ha with yields of 4000-6000 kg/ha; 1.6-2 kg per plant.

Winters are mild and quite dry (460 mm a year). The breezy summers improve the quality of the grapes on the plant and on the racks during drying, acting as a “natural fungicide”.

The extreme nature of Pantelleria requires complex agronomic choices: the vine is trained with the “alberello” head-trained bush practice on terraces divided by dry volcanic rock walls, made and maintained exclusively by hand. A heroic viticulture environment, to which we devote constant care and attention.

Our Ben Ryé Passito di Pantelleria “Son of the Wind”, is the symbol of the island’s heroic viticulture. It is the fruit of a production process based on the natural drying of the grapes on racks, the manual destemming of the dried grapes, and a bespoke winemaking procedure that lasts over a month, culminating when our iconic wine achieves its optimal balance.

We have recovered, and we maintain every year, over 40 km of dry volcanic rock walls (UNESCO intangible cultural heritage), which contribute to preventing soil erosion and protecting the landscape and its biodiversity

UN 2030 Agenda – Goal 15: Life on land

In 1999 we restored a Zibibbo vineyard with various ungrafted plants of over 100 years old: unique vines, example of agricultural resilience, capable of resisting the drought conditions on the island and giving Ben Ryé its exceptional aroma.

UN 2030 Agenda – Goal 2: Zero hunger

We have sought to promote biodiversity in Pantelleria since 2010 thanks to an experimental vineyard with 33 biotypes of Zibibbo from different areas of the Mediterranean

UN 2030 Agenda – Goal 15: Life on land

Hidden among the rows of vines cultivated with the traditional “alberello” head-trained bush practice, recognised by UNESCO
as an example of Intangible Cultural Heritage, lies a masterpiece of agricultural ingenuity: the Giardino Pantesco (Pantellerian Garden) donated to the FAI, the Italian National Trust. More than a simple garden, it is a genuine stone treasure chest. The high dry circular walls create a microclimate that is protected from the island’s strong winds and capable of capturing the night-time humidity. A brilliant and completely self-sufficient agronomic system that requires no water, specifically constructed to preserve a monumental heritage orange tree and allow it to flourish.

In the Giardino Pantesco (Pantellerian Garden) it is possible to walk the Cammino di Khamma trail. No ordinary path but an immersive journey into the real soul of Pantelleria. The trail winds gently across a landscape in which the wild Mediterranean maquis intertwines with cultivations of heritage olive trees and caper plants. Walking here means being able to touch a very rare balance with your hands: the silent harmony between human agriculture and the untamed nature.