In the early 1980s, Marco De Bartoli became captivated by the potential of Pantelleria, an island rich in history and natural beauty. He decided to establish a new winery in Bukkuram, within a 1700s dammuso, surrounded by 5 hectares of vineyards perched 200 meters above sea level, facing west. As at Samperi, the winery honors the local culture by taking its name from the surrounding contrada.
Bukkuram, meaning “father of the vineyard” in Arabic, was the favored area for growing zibibbo grapes during the Arab period. Here, on the island’s only plateau with a southwest exposure, the winery’s vineyards are cultivated using the traditional ”alberello pantesco” method, recognized by Unesco as a World Heritage agricultural practice in 2014.
«The winery takes its name from the local contrada: Bukkuram»
Bukkuram: Where Tradition and Mythology Meet
For years, Marco De Bartoli engaged with the island’s most experienced and elder farmers to unlock the secrets of how sun-dried grapes could be transformed into the “nectar of the gods”. It was here, in 1984, that he bottled his first passito, naturally naming it Bukkuram, as a tribute to the enchanting land where it’s crafted using traditional methods – techniques so ancient that even Greek mythology is said to reference them.
Pietranera: A Unique Expression of Pantelleria’s Terroir
In 1989, in Contrada Cufurà, located in the cooler, shaded northern part of the island, a vineyard was planted on about 3 hectares, 350 meters above sea level, with a northeast exposure. This unique location provides grapes with higher acidity and lower sugar content, perfect for crafting Pietranera. A dry white wine made exclusively from Zibibbo grapes, Pietranera expresses the aromatic and mineral notes of Pantelleria’s volcanic soil. It stands as an innovative version from the island’s traditional wine production, showcasing once again Marco De Bartoli’s brilliance and determination.
«…And so, the sun-dried Zibibbo grapes were transformed into the nectar of the gods»
WINERY OPENINGS, TOURS AND TASTINGS
– Monday through Saturday in spring and summer
– Guided tours take place Monday through Saturday by appointment only (duration approximately 1h 30′, with times to be agreed upon, generally beginning in the afternoon, from 5.30 pm until 8 pm)
– The visit must always be arranged in advance with the winery
– 1 tasting option: 4 wines with guided tour of Bukkuram winery and vineyard (focus on the volcanic territory, its main grape variety, zibibbo, and on the agricultural practice of the Pantelleria sapling, a Unesco World Heritage Site since 2014; during the guided tour, the different stages of production of still and dessert wines from zibibibbo grapes are illustrated, from the vineyard with the typical Pantelleria “sapling” planting to the winery, crossing the different areas of vinification and aging; the visit ends with a technical tasting of 4 wines produced in the Bukkuram winery)
– Visits can also be conducted in English
– Vip tastings for groups of at least 4 people
– For special needs and for a ”tailor-made” experience it is necessary to call or to send a detailed e-mail with your requests
– Reservations required at least 3 days in advance by phone or email: tel. 0039 0923 918 344, info@marcodebartoli.com (reservation is considered accepted only after receiving a confirmation message, please advise in time in case of any cancellations)
– Marco De Bartoli Winery in Marsala
CONTACTS
Via San Michele
Contrada Bukkuram
91017 Pantelleria (TP)
tel. 0923 918 344
info@marcodebartoli.com
www.marcodebartoli.com
