Vecchio Samperi Quarantennale Perpetuo

Wine Description for Vecchio Samperi Quarantennale Perpetuo by Marco de Bartoli

Colour & Appearance

Deep amber gold with mahogany-brown reflections, indicating decades of oxidative maturation. Dense, oily tears on the glass rim – a wine of impressive concentration and viscosity.

Nose

Extraordinarily complex: roasted hazelnuts, dried figs and dates unite with notes of caramel, orange peel and a hint of iodine. These are joined by tobacco, aged leather and a fine rancio character, reminiscent of the finest Olorosos. The Grillo grape displays its full aromatic depth here.

Palate

Powerful yet remarkably elegant. The wine possesses perfect balance between sweetness and saline minerality, typical of Sampieri’s coastal proximity. On the palate, candied citrus fruits, walnuts, honey and oxidative spice dominate. Despite 17.5% alcohol, the wine never feels heavy or burning – decades of maturation have integrated it perfectly.

Finish

Endless, saline-mineral with a lingering echo of roasted almonds and sea breeze. The complexity continues to unfold for minutes after swallowing.

Terroir & Origin

From vineyards near Marsala in western Sicily, where coastal proximity and chalky soils give the Grillo grape its characteristic salinity. The Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers naturally concentrates the aromas.

Grape Variety & Vinification

100% Grillo, vinified according to the historic Perpetuo system (Solera-like), in which older vintages are continuously blended with younger ones. The oldest component dates back at least 40 years. Oxidative maturation in old chestnut and oak casks, without fortification – an authentic, unadulterated expression of Sicilian winemaking art.

Food Pairing Suggestions

Excellent with aged Parmesan, Pecorino or Gorgonzola. Classically with foie gras, tonno di coniglio or bottarga. Also a delight as a meditation wine or with dark chocolate and almond tart.

Special Features

A living piece of wine history and Marco de Bartoli’s most important legacy. Vecchio Samperi is the authentic alternative to industrial Marsala – a wine of historical significance that shows what Sicily was before mass production.