In the glass
Aroma: sun-dried apricot, orange blossom, honey, candied citrus
Palate: apricot jam, dried mango, honey, almond
Nes (shortened from the Pantelleria dialect 'giardino pantesco', an enclosed garden) is Pellegrino's sun-drenched Passito di Pantelleria: concentrated Zibibbo with apricot-honey character and the characteristic volcanic depth of Pantelleria.
What it pairs with
-
Fresh ricotta tart with orange blossom
The wine's orange blossom aromatics are a natural match for ricotta desserts scented with orange flower water. -
Sicilian marzipan (martorana)
Almond and honey notes in the wine mirror the almond-based marzipan. -
Ripe pineapple with mint
Tropical fruit notes in the wine echo the fresh pineapple; the mint provides refreshing contrast.
How to serve Pellegrino Nes Passito di Pantelleria
Allow 5 minutes from open to pour.
- Open and pour. Open and pour directly. No decanting required for this style.
- Serve at 12-14°C. Cellar temperature (12-14°C) is the band for this style. Warmer pushes alcohol forward; colder dampens aromatics.
- Glassware. Use a small dessert-wine glass (3-5oz pour): the bowl shape rewards the wine's structure.
- Pair with. Fresh ricotta tart with orange blossom, Sicilian marzipan (martorana), Ripe pineapple with mint. Match the wine's structure to the dish's fat and salt.
History
Pellegrino extended its Marsala expertise to Pantelleria in the 1990s, producing the Nes Passito di Pantelleria from Zibibbo (Moscato d'Alessandria) grapes trained in the traditional alberello pantesco low-bush system on the volcanic island. The wine draws on Pellegrino's fortified-wine expertise to produce a rich, balanced Pantelleria Passito.
- 1996 — First Nes Passito di Pantelleria vintage from Pellegrino
Facts
- Producer
- Cantine Pellegrino
- Grapes
- Zibibbo
- Classification
- Passito di Pantelleria DOC
- Oak
- No oak; stainless steel; concentrated sun-drying
- ABV
- 14.5%
- Price
- €18-30 at retail
- Drinking window
- 3-12 from vintage
- First vintage
- 1996
Frequently asked about Pellegrino Nes Passito di Pantelleria
What does Pellegrino Nes Passito di Pantelleria taste like?
On the nose, sun-dried apricot, orange blossom, honey, candied citrus. On the palate, apricot jam, dried mango, honey, almond. Structurally full-bodied, low tannins, medium acidity with a long, honeyed, tropical finish. Nes (shortened from the Pantelleria dialect 'giardino pantesco', an enclosed garden) is Pellegrino's sun-drenched Passito di Pantelleria: concentrated Zibibbo with apricot-honey character and the characteristic volcanic depth of Pantelleria.
When should I drink Pellegrino Nes Passito di Pantelleria?
Drink 3-12 from vintage. Young vintages benefit from 30-90 minutes of decanting; mature bottles should be handled carefully for sediment.
What food pairs with Pellegrino Nes Passito di Pantelleria?
Fresh ricotta tart with orange blossom is the canonical pairing. Other strong matches include Sicilian marzipan (martorana) and Ripe pineapple with mint. The wine's orange blossom aromatics are a natural match for ricotta desserts scented with orange flower water.
What grapes are in Pellegrino Nes Passito di Pantelleria?
The blend is Zibibbo. The wine is classified as Passito di Pantelleria DOC.