Passito Wines
Passito Wines: Sweet & Rich Delights
Passito wines are a type of sweet wine made from dried grapes, and they are primarily produced in Italy, though the technique is used in other wine regions too. The name "passito" comes from the Italian word "passire," meaning "to dry." The drying process concentrates the sugars and flavors in the grapes, resulting in wines that are sweet, rich, and often complex.
How Passito Wines Are Made
- Harvesting the Grapes – Grapes are harvested at their peak ripeness, usually when they have developed significant sugar levels and flavor complexity.
- Drying the Grapes – The harvested grapes are dried for weeks or even months. This is typically done in Drying Rooms or on Racks – Grapes are laid out in a cool, dry place (often in well-ventilated rooms or on special racks) to dry. The drying process concentrates the sugars and flavors while reducing the water content.
- Fermentation – After drying, the grapes are pressed, and the juice is fermented. This fermentation typically lasts longer than usual because of the high sugar content. Fermentation can be stopped earlier to leave residual sugar and achieve the desired level of sweetness.
- Aging – Passito wines are often aged in oak barrels or stainless steel tanks, depending on the style, for months or even years to develop further complexity.
