Passito di Pantelleria “Fuori Carta”: Pasqua reimagines the Passito tasting experience

During the opening evening of Wine Paris, the Italian Embassy in Paris hosted A Sicilian Interlude in an original 18th-century Sicilian theatre transferred from Palermo in the early 20th century. The event introduced “Fuori Carta”, a pairing concept that positioned Sangue d’Oro across the full meal rather than restricting Passito to dessert.

The concept joined the partners’ cultural objective—protecting Pantelleria’s winegrowing heritage and supporting its community—with a contemporary way of drinking the wine. Guests encountered the 2018 and 2022 vintages through diverse pairings, including two-Michelin-starred chef Bruno Verjus’s chocolate cake with capers and caviar. Andrea Pasqua described Sangue d’Oro as both traditional and contemporary, governed by time, wind and human touch but free from a fixed role at the table. Carole Bouquet emphasised surprise, sharing and the way the wine changes alongside food. Italian Ambassador Emanuela D’Alessandro placed the event within an Italo-French and Mediterranean dialogue around wine, history and tradition.