Thoughts on Passito

[rich_n]

I came across this in Lidl a couple of days ago and was interested to hear if anyone has tried it (or the same style from a different producer):

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[Mike J. W.]

I have a few bottles of the Donnafugata Passito di Pantelleria Ben Ryé (1 x 2012 and 2 x 2014 both in 375ml size), but I haven't tried one yet. I'll crack one open later next week after I knock off this 2002 Roriz VP and let you know. I don't think the brand you're showing is highly rated (i.e., not in the 90's. CellarTracker scores only pop up for 2 vintages at ~88 pts. each), but it's solidly rated. At that price I would take a flyer on a few bottles.

[winesecretary]

I think it is fair to say that in the Lidl and the Ben Rye passitos you likely have the two ends of the passito quality (and price) spectrum. The Ben Rye, of which I have had the pleasure to try several vintages with others (I’ve never bought any), is between excellent and astonishingly good. I predict the Lidl will be reasonable, however, and it is certainly keenly priced.

[Alex Bridgeman]

I do like wines from Pantelleria, not just the passito wines but the island generally produces good quality grapes and wines.

I bought my Christmas sweet wine from Waitrose the other day (Royal Tokaji) otherwise I might have been tempted to buy one of these to see what it was like.

Rich - I’d buy one and try it. I admit I’m a bit surprised to see something as niche as a passito di Pantelleria in Lidl!

[rich_n]

Thanks all for the thoughts, I decided to grab a bottle and see if it suited my palate. I'll try to remember to report back when I've tried it.

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[mosesbotbol]

It comes with its own shot glass?

[flash_uk]

It comes with its own shot glass?

I think that’s a retail security tag. Yup, for a $15 item. Welcome to the UK nowadays

[Mike J. W.]

Tonight I opened one of my 2014 Donnafugata Passito di Pantelleria Ben Ryé and I have to say George was right, this is at the very least astonishingly good and it's coming close to excellent. It's lush but not heavy and tastes like apricots and tangerines with a large dose of salinity. The salinity isn't overbearing at all. It counterbalances the sweetness and keeps it all in check. It even has a little bit of a Sauternes taste to it without the petrol smell. I'm going to try the next glass tomorrow after I've chilled it further, but I'm liking it.