#Italy #Pasqua Wines #Verona #Carole Bouquet #Pantelleria

Pasqua Wines Expands Its Vision with Carole Bouquet's Pantelleria Estate

Pasqua Wines, a renowned name in the Italian wine industry, is stepping into an exciting chapter by investing in the famed Pantelleria estate owned by actress and winemaker Carole Bouquet. This strategic move marks a significant milestone in the winery's century-long journey, complementing its rich heritage with a focus on innovation and cultural preservation.

The island of Pantelleria, located off the southern coast of Sicily, presents a stunning yet challenging environment for viticulture. Twenty years ago, Bouquet acquired a 12-hectare estate on this picturesque island, where she began cultivating traditional varieties of the renowned Zibibbo grape. This grape, also known as Moscato d'Alessandria, has its roots deeply embedded in the soil of Pantelleria, contributing to the creation of Sangue d'Oro, a celebrated Passito di Pantelleria wine.

Sangue d'Oro is crafted from 100% Zibibbo grapes sourced from Contrada Serraglia, where old vines flourish in unique terraced vineyards. The cultivation practices involve meticulous hand-harvesting followed by a natural drying process that concentrates the grapes' flavors, resulting in a wine characterized by depth and finesse. This dedication to traditional wine-making techniques has made Sangue d'Oro a beloved choice among critics and collectors alike.

In acquiring a majority share in Sangue d'Oro, Pasqua Wines not only aims to enhance its portfolio but also commit itself to revitalize Pantelleria's wine scene. Riccardo Pasqua, CEO of Pasqua Wines, expressed his enthusiasm about this new partnership, stating, "This project is a gem that aligns perfectly with our vision for growth centered around cultural appreciation and environmental stewardship. The beauty of these vineyards and the legacy of Carole Bouquet represent a unique opportunity to rejuvenate this exceptional land."

The collaboration is more than just an entrepreneurial venture; it embodies a shared dedication to fostering the distinctive viticultural traditions of Pantelleria. With UNESCO recognizing the region’s unique bush vines, or vite ad alberello, as part of its Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, the potential for revitalization and innovation is significant.

As the challenges of agricultural abandonment loom, Pasqua Wines' investment may herald a new era for this vulnerable region. The island's wine production has drastically declined from 450,000 quintals in the 1970s to just about 28,000 quintals today. The Pasqua family recognizes the urgent need for revitalizing this remarkable island, not just to preserve its agricultural heritage but also to celebrate its beauty and uniqueness.

Carole Bouquet, who gained fame as the glamorous face of Chanel during the 1980s and 1990s, has transformed her artistic inclinations into a profound commitment to the vineyard she loves. She expressed her delight in partnering with the Pasqua family, indicating a shared vision for nourishing Pantelleria's viticultural identity amid evolving market demands.

Pasqua Wines, established in 1925, is a proud bearer of Italian winemaking traditions while also embracing modern practices. The winery celebrates its centenary in 2025, marking 100 years of expertise in producing and promoting high-quality wines from the Veneto region. As it continues its journey, Pasqua aims to merge innovation with tradition, focusing on sustainable practices that honor the essence of Italian winemaking.

This new chapter promises to enrich both Pasqua Wines and the cultural landscape of Pantelleria—revitalizing the ties to its storied past while looking forward to vibrant and sustainable growth in the future. With the collaboration between Pasqua Wines and Carole Bouquet, a new era is dawning in the world of Italian wines, where tradition meets innovation, and the essence of the land is celebrated through every bottle.