Pasqua Wines Cultivates a New Legacy on Pantelleria
The Veronese winery marks a century of excellence by expanding its horizons and solidifying its commitment to innovation and cultural heritage.
The Acquisition of Sangue d'Oro
Pantelleria, a stunning yet rugged island off the coast of Sicily, unveils the next step in Pasqua Wines' centennial journey. The historic winery has embraced a pivotal opportunity, acquiring the majority stake in Sangue d'Oro, an esteemed estate established by the iconic actress and style maven, Carole Bouquet.
The Legacy of Carole Bouquet
Two decades prior, Carole Bouquet recognized the enchanting beauty of Pantelleria and invested in a 12-hectare estate, 3.6 hectares of which are dedicated to the ancient Moscato d'Alessandria (Zibibbo) grape varietal. Some of these vines boast an impressive history, being over 80 years old. Inspired by the island’s unique landscape and rich traditions, she began creating Sangue d'Oro, a Passito di Pantelleria DOC, which has garnered praise from wine aficionados and collectors alike.
Craftsmanship and Tradition
This exquisite wine is produced from 100% Zibibbo grapes sourced from the renowned Contrada Serraglia. The estate’s terraced vineyards, safeguarded by traditional dry-stone walls, flourish in soils composed of 70% volcanic rock and 30% clay and limonite. After careful hand-picking, grapes undergo an organic drying process under the sun and wind for two to three weeks, amplifying their aromas and flavors into a wine of unparalleled depth and sophistication.
Beyond being just a business venture, the project reflects a commitment to preserving one of Italy’s most unique viticultural landscapes. It embodies the restoration of vitality to Pantelleria, while challenging Pasqua Wines to master traditional winemaking techniques that honor the land. The company proudly stands as both guardian and storyteller of these time-honored practices.
The Vision Shared
Riccardo Pasqua, the CEO of Pasqua Wines, remarked, "This project is a small jewel that perfectly aligns with our vision and trajectory of value-driven growth. The beauty of these vineyards, the charm of the island, and the savoir-faire cultivated by Carole Bouquet make this a truly unique opportunity. Together, we aim to preserve, celebrate, and breathe new life into this extraordinary land."
In her own words, Carole Bouquet expressed her excitement, saying, "I’m delighted to have met the Pasqua family, who understood my dream and are helping it evolve. This passing of the baton represents a shared vision - preserving a viticultural treasure of immense cultural and historical value. The Pasqua family ushers new energy and strength while honoring the spirit of Pantelleria's artisans."
The Challenges and Beauty of Pantelleria
Pantelleria is a land of striking contrasts, boasting iconic vite ad alberello bush vines acknowledged by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. However, this picturesque island faces severe challenges, including dwindling agricultural practices and the looming threat of abandonment. The vineyard’s historical production, previously at 450,000 quintals in the 1970s, has plummeted to a mere 28,000 quintals today, spotlighting the fragility of its heroic viticulture.
A Legacy in the Making
Carole Bouquet, a legendary figure in the film and fashion world, rose to prominence as the face of Chanel in the late 20th century. With over 40 films to her credit and numerous accolades, she transformed her artistic grace into a winemaking passion on Pantelleria. Since acquiring her estate, she has expanded her holdings and collaborated with esteemed winemaker Donato Lanati to bring her vision to fruition.
A Century of Winemaking Excellence
PASQUA VIGNETI E CANTINE, established in 1925, proudly celebrates its centennial milestone. As a family-owned Veronese wine institution, it has become synonymous with quality and innovation, rooted in a century of winemaking heritage. Today, under the leadership of President Umberto Pasqua and his sons, Riccardo, Alessandro, and Andrea, the winery embraces both its rich past and a promising future, striving to create a laboratory of innovation where tradition and creativity thrive.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Sangue d'Oro?
Sangue d'Oro is a prestigious wine estate in Pantelleria, founded by Carole Bouquet, focusing on exceptional Passito wines made from Zibibbo grapes.
Why is Pantelleria important for winemaking?
Pantelleria is celebrated for its unique terroir, featuring bush vines and volcanic soil, which contribute to the distinctive flavor profile of its wines.
What does Pasqua Wines aim to achieve with this investment?
Pasqua Wines aims to preserve and promote the unique viticultural heritage of Pantelleria while innovating and enhancing the quality of its wines.
How does Carole Bouquet contribute to the winery?
Carole Bouquet brings her vision and artistic sensibility to the winemaking process, ensuring that the cultural heritage of Pantelleria is honored.
What future plans does Pasqua Wines have?
Pasqua Wines intends to fuse tradition with innovation, setting new standards for quality and creativity in the winemaking industry.
