Pasqua Wines Expands Its Vision With Investment in Carole Bouquet’s Pantelleria Estate

Verona, October 15, 2025 – Pantelleria, the rugged and remote island off the coast of Sicily, marks the next chapter for Pasqua Wines’ century-long journey. The Veronese winery has become the majority shareholder of Sangue d’Oro, the acclaimed estate founded by actress and style icon Carole Bouquet.

Twenty years ago, Carole Bouquet purchased a 12-hectare estate on Pantelleria, 3.6 hectares of which are planted to Moscato d’Alessandria (Zibibbo) - some vines over 80 years old. Inspired by the land’s beauty and tradition, she crafted Sangue d’Oro, a Passito di Pantelleria DOC that genuinely reflects the identity of the land, quickly earning acclaim among critics and collectors.

Crafted from 100% Zibibbo grown in Contrada Serraglia, Sangue d’Oro Passito di Pantelleria DOC embodies the island’s natural essence. The terraced vineyards, protected by traditional dry-stone walls, rest on soils of 70% volcanic rock and 30% clay and limonite. After meticulous hand-harvesting, the grapes are left to dry naturally in the sun and wind for two to three weeks, concentrating aromas and flavors into a wine of remarkable depth and finesse.

More than an entrepreneurial venture, this project reflects a cultural and environmental commitment - restoring visibility and vitality to one of Italy’s most distinctive wine territories. It also presents a technical challenge, requiring deep knowledge of traditional methods, such as identifying the precise moment to harvest and dry the grapes. Pasqua Wines, through its dedication and style, becomes both custodian and storyteller of this ancient practice.

“This project is a small jewel that perfectly aligns with our vision and trajectory of value-driven growth,” commented Riccardo Pasqua, CEO of Pasqua Wines. “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 breath new life into this extraordinary land.”

“I’m delighted to have met the Pasqua family, who understood my dream and are helping it evolve,” added Carole Bouquet. “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.”

A land of striking contrasts and timeless traditions, Pantelleria is home to the iconic vite ad alberello bush vines, recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. This small Mediterranean island demands extraordinary dedication from its growers — yet faces mounting challenges, from declining cultivation to the threat of agricultural abandonment. In the 1970s, the island yielded 450,000 quintals of grapes; today, production has dropped to around 28,000, underscoring the fragility of its heroic viticulture.

About Carole Bouquet 

A legendary figure in film and fashion, Carole Bouquet rose to international fame as the face of Chanel in the 1980s and 1990s, later starring in more than 40 films with renowned directors such as Buñuel, Risi, and Scorsese. Her performances have earned her multiple nominations and a César Award at the Cannes Film Festival. In 2002, at the height of her career, Bouquet discovered Pantelleria — an island of dramatic landscapes and deep-rooted traditions. There, she acquired a small estate that eventually expanded through the purchase of 60 neighboring parcels. With the guidance of renowned oenologist Donato Lanati, she founded Sangue d’Oro, transforming her artistic sensibility into a passionate commitment to winemaking.

PASQUA VIGNETI E CANTINE, founded in 1925, is a historic Veronese wine company owned by the Pasqua family and celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2025. The company is internationally recognized as a producer and ambassador of prestigious wines from Italy’s Veneto region. With a century of winemaking expertise, Pasqua looks to the future with a renewed stylistic vision that blends tradition and innovation. Today, President Umberto Pasqua leads the company alongside his sons: Riccardo Pasqua, CEO, Alessandro Pasqua, President of Pasqua USA, and Andrea Pasqua, Head of Business Development. With the introduction of the Pasqua House of the Unconventional manifesto, today the company aims to be a laboratory of innovation and dialogue, where quality and creativity take center stage.