Overview
Created by English merchant John Woodhouse in 1796 when his ship was forced into Marsala harbour by a storm. Fortified with grape spirit for the voyage to England, the wine became a sensation. Vergine/Soleras Marsala — bone-dry, aged 10+ years — is one of Italy's most complex wines. The sweet 'Fine' style is cooking wine; the aged dry style is transcendent.
In The Glass
- Colour
- Deep amber
- Nose
- Dried apricot, Fig, Orange peel, Walnut and Coffee.
- Palate
- Sicily's great fortified — dry Vergine, sherry-like complexity. Generally full-bodied, medium acidity, dry, with a very long finish.
Tasting Profile
Body Full4/5
Tannins Silky1/5
Acidity Medium3/5
Sweetness Bone Dry1/5
Alcohol Very High5/5
Grapes
GrilloInzoliaCatarrattoDamaschino
Aromas And Notes
Dried apricotFigOrange peelAlmondWalnutCoffeeTobaccoCaramelOld woodLeatherRancio
Terroir
Hot Mediterranean — intense sun on Sicily's western tip, sea winds from Africa.
ClaySandy loamCalcareous
Food Pairings
Almond biscottiAged PecorinoDark chocolateZabaglione
Notable Producers
- Marco De Bartoli, founded 1978 - Vecchio Samperi Riserva 30 Anni
- Pellegrino, founded 1880 - Marsala Superiore Riserva