This volcanic Italian island was made for wine

Pantereria, a volcanic island between Sicily and Tunisia, is very small, but produces great wines. It is geographically close to Tunisia and has a rich history of seeing the passage of various cultures through the sea.

“History has crossed this little rock, sitting between two continents (Europe and Africa),” says Dalilla Calabrese, a Fora trip advisor and living in Italy in Naples. Today, she says that its economy is primarily supported by the island's Caper plantations and wineries.

The rich history of Pantereria

The strategic location of Pantereria in the Sicily Straits has become a coveted prepost base for various civilizations throughout history. The island was first settled in the Neolithic period and has archaeological sites, including stone structures that serve as funeral domes, suggesting a progressive culture of prehistoric times. For centuries, countries have fought to control this rocky yet important island.

Today, traces of its layered history remain in its architecture, agricultural practices and cuisine, with the portions remaining mostly touristy.

“What I find appealing about these 'wild' islands in Italy is the older generation,” says Calabrese. “You might meet someone at Pantereria, who is 80 or 90 years old, who has never left the island and is not sure what it is on the mainland, which is rarely found in places where overtourism is taking over. I think that's what it is.”

Benefits of elements

The island's extreme conditions include intense sunlight, cooled ocean breezes, strong winds, arid climates, and rugged topography of both arid and volcanic soils. These elements shaped an impressive environment. Natural hot springs and steamed fumaroles hint at the island's volcanic origins, but hidden coves and dramatic cliffs meet clear waters of the Mediterranean, making them a wild, breathtaking coastal landscape creates.

The island's lush greenery and vegetation are in contrast to dark lava rocks, and because of all this contrast, ancient agricultural practices have adapted to the island's challenges.

Featuring a circular stone enclosure, the famous Pantereria garden protects delicate citrus trees from the merciless winds, and the vineyard of Zibibo grapes – the native grapes of Panthereria, also known as Moscatoda Alessandria – the island's rich It thrives in the best soils and thrives in the best soils. It is known for producing Passito wines. A sweet dessert wine made from dried grapes.

UNESCO's recognized grape growth process

The method of growing wine (or rather grapes) in Pantelleria is called Alberello Pantesco, also known as the low-breasted Vite Ad Alberello in the bushvine system. (The second translates to “small tree-like grapes,” and the former refers to Pantherelia, the word Pantesco.) The grapes are pruned as low bushes near the ground and grown in depressions up to 23 inches deep. It's been done. The system has been in use for centuries, but it was thought to have been started by the Phoenicians up until the 8th century BC when they brought Egyptian grapes from Zivivo to Panthereria.

Many of Zibibbos are used to make Passito wines, but are also used to make Caucasians that are relatively less sweet and still on the dryer side. “Pacito is the oldest genetically unmodified wine that still exists and is probably one of the first cultivation by humans,” says Calabrese.

Alberello Pantesco practice protects grapes from the island's strong winds and retains moisture in dry soil.

“Volcanic Soils of Pantereria – also known as sandy soil, with roots that easily capture humidity from the ground – rich in minerals, giving grapes a unique minerality and salt content.” Trying to grow wine in Pantereria A winery to place. There is also a winery in Sicily, including areas near Vitoria and Mount Etna, which began growing grapes on the islands in 1989 using this Albelelo Pantesco method.

In fact, this Vite Ad Alberello cultivation method was used by everyone at Pantelleria. In 2014, UNESCO was recognized on the list of representatives of human intangible cultural heritage. It was the first agricultural practice recognized by the association.

“The harsh environment, minimal rainfall and volcanic soil make the grapes produce lower yields and have intense flavor and aromatic grapes with notes of raisins, apricots, orange flowers, honey and tropical fruit,” Rallo said. says he.

On the other hand, temperature changes increase the natural acidity of the grapes and balance the sweetness from the drying process. “The relentless wind and lack of water are not a drawback. They are part of what produces heavily seasoned air freshener grapes,” says Rallo. “This adversity gives wine an unparalleled character. The effects of volcanic soils cannot be denied, adding to the wine's complexity and sense of place.”

(Related: 10 Must-see Experiences in Sicily)

Donnafugata relies on natural rainfall and careful soil management to practice the island's typical unirrigated viticulture. In their practice, grapes are deeply rooted. Given the sturdy terrain and the growth of the Albelero Pantesco style, all vineyards (and most of the islands) are harvested by hand.

This labor-intensive process ensures that only the best grapes are selected at the right time. Finally, for the sake of Pacito production, the givivo grapes are harvested and laid out to dry in the sun. This is a traditional technique that helps concentrate sugar and sugar levels while retaining natural acidity.

“Zibibbo is not just another grape, it's a cultural symbol,” says Rallo. “The ability to express Pantereria's terroir in both sweet and dry styles demonstrates its extraordinary adaptability.”

Pantelleria is not just the place where grapes are grown. It is a living symbol of the incredible resilience of nature and humans.

“The island's wines are a rare gem worthy of greater recognition not only for their unique flavors, but also for their deep connections that embody history, dedication and sustainability. Every bottle of Pantelleria is an exceptional land, It tells the story of people who maintain its rich culture and its timeless traditions,” says Rallo.

Where can I try it

1. Donnafugata:
One of the most famous names in Sicilian Winemaking, Donnafugata's Pantelleria Estate is a must-see for Zibibbo Lovers. Their iconic Ben Lai is a famous passiet, made from tanned jibibo grapes and serves delicious notes of apricots and honey. Enjoy tasting at their vineyards towards the island's volcanic landscape.

2. Cantina Basil:
Cantina Basile is a family-owned winery dedicated to traditional Pantelleria Winemaking, producing both the dry and sweet expression of Zivivo. Rustic Real Estate offers an intimate experience where visitors can drink wine while learning about island grape cultivation, from island grape cultivation to drying grapes in the sun.

3. AbraxasWinery & Wine Bar:
Head to Enoteca, a winery sits on a hill with stunning ocean views for a relaxed, refined tasting experience. They offer a selection of Pantereria's divivo wines, including fresh, aromatic dry styles and luscious Pacitos, combined with local specialties such as capers, ricotta and couscous.