Marsala Superiore Oro Riserva 2009 2009 500ml

Marco de Bartoli not only invented dry Grillo, but also revolutionised Marsala by combining its traditional style with modern vinification. One step in this direction was to reduce the sugar, resulting in this semi-dry Marsala style in 1985. While respecting tradition, it is fortified with a "mistella" of fresh grape must and a fruit brandy made from the same grapes as the base wine. This means that, unlike the Vecchio Samperi, this semi-dry style is always fortified with alcohol. It combines the strength and personality of a classic Marsala with delicate stature and subtle freshness. To achieve this, all contact with oxygen is avoided during vinification to prevent undesirable oxidation. Finished in French oak, the barrels are always refilled.

Pressed from 100% Grillo with 3,500 vines per hectare planted between 1970 and 1996 in the Contrada Samperi in predominantly flat terrain with sandy loam soil. The vines are trained in the Alberello and Guyot system, the grapes are hand-picked and selected, gently pressed, naturally decanted and traditionally fermented with wild yeasts at room temperature in oak barrels. Part of the must is enriched with grape must to produce the so-called "mistella", which is later added to the wine. The wine matures for more than 10 years in oak barrels of different sizes.

Amber with distinctive orange reflections.

The nose of the 2009 Marsala Superiore Oro by Marco de Bartoli sprays its exuberant perfume from the goblet like a flaky spotlight Dried fruit of figs, dates, dried orange slices, candied orange peel and gingerbread stream from the glass, underpinned by toasty notes of salted roasted almonds, cashews, sultanas and cigar box. Immensely complex and multi-layered nose that makes the lips purse expectantly towards the goblets.

Slim with a balanced sweetness and an acidic nerve that defines everything on the palate, it is structurally straightforward and completely free of oxidation. Whether as an aperitif or at the table, it is inexplicable what has caused this type of wine to disappear from the scene. With outstanding drinking flow, it is captivating with complex and profound aromatics that are enormously versatile, especially at the table. Mild spices, candied orange peel, dried fruit and roasted nuts are also reflected aromatically on the palate, carried by orchestral acidity and an almost endless finish.