📍 Pantelleria

Pantelleria is a volcanic island south-west of Sicily, much closer to Tunisia than to the mainland. The island belongs to Italy and is part of the Sicily wine region. A strong wind blows here constantly, the soil is black and volcanic, and rain is scarce.

Almost all the grapes are the white Zibibbo (Muscat of Alexandria). Vines are grown in a special way called alberello pantesco: each bush is planted in a shallow pit to shelter it from the wind and keep moisture. This tradition was added to UNESCO's intangible heritage list in 2014.

The main wines are sweet. Passito di Pantelleria is made from berries dried in the sun; it is amber, with notes of apricot, honey and dried fruit. Moscato di Pantelleria is a lighter sweet wine. Dry and sparkling wines from Zibibbo are made too.

Pantelleria is part of Sicily, but the island stands apart: it is known less for Nero d'Avola or Etna than for aromatic golden wines from dried Muscat. Sweet passito is served with almond desserts, aged cheeses or simply after dinner. The name Pantelleria on a label shows that the grapes grew in this very area, which makes it easy to look for similar wines.