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Vintage:
1998
Denomination:
Marsala
Origin:
Italy, Sicily
Alcohol:
18%
Format:
0.75 L
Product origin:
Business
Serving temperature:
14°
When to drink:
Meditation, After dinner, Tasting
Type:
Fortified Wine
Taste:
complex, with notes of dried fruit and caramel, sweet but balanced by a light saltiness
Flavorings:
dried fruit, honey, caramel, vanilla, fine woods
Allergens:
Sulphites
Longevity:
21+ years
What wine is Marsala Riserva Superiore Ambra Semisecco DOC 'Old John' 1998 - Cantine Pellegrino 1880
The Marsala Riserva Superiore Ambra Semisecco DOC 'Old John' 1998 - Cantine Pellegrino 1880 is a traditional Sicilian fortified wine, a symbol of Marsala's winemaking history. Like the best fortified wines, similar in character to Port and Sherry, it is made from a wine base to which wine alcohol is added: a process that enhances its structure and increases its alcohol content to about 18 degrees, making it more intense, deep, and long-lasting.
The designation "Ambra Semisecco" indicates a balance between sweet and fresh notes, while the mention "Riserva Superiore" refers to a long aging period, over four years, which gives the wine complexity and smoothness.
Vintage Details
The 1998 vintage is considered of great quality for Sicilian wines: favorable climatic conditions, with warm but ventilated summers, ensured healthy grapes rich in sugars. The result is a balanced, intense, and fully mature Marsala, perfect for tasting today but capable of surprising even after several more years in the bottle.
Winemaking and aging
The Marsala Riserva Superiore Ambra Semisecco DOC 'Old John' 1998 - Cantine Pellegrino 1880 is made from a careful blend of Grillo, Inzolia, and Catarratto grapes, typical varieties of the Marsala area. After fermentation, the wine is "fortified" with the addition of alcohol, which stops the fermentation process while retaining some of the natural sugars. This is followed by a long aging period in oak barrels for 48 months and then a further minimum of six months in barriques, during which the characteristic aromas and typical amber hue develop.
Tasting Notes
Color
In the glass, it reveals a splendid intense golden amber hue, with coppery reflections that testify to the long aging in wood and its evolution over time.
Nose
On the nose, it opens with warm and enveloping aromas of honey, dates, dried fruit, and caramelized figs, followed by elegant notes of vanilla, toasted wood, and spicy hints of cinnamon and nutmeg. The overall impression is complex and fascinating, perfectly balanced.
Palate
On the palate, it is soft, velvety, and well-balanced. The semi-dry sweetness combines with a pleasant savory quality, creating a full yet never cloying sip. The finish is long, with aromatic returns of candied fruit and toasted almond.
Food Pairings for Marsala Riserva Superiore Ambra Semisecco DOC 'Old John' 1998 - Cantine Pellegrino 1880
This Marsala lends itself to various pairings, both sweet and savory. Thanks to its semi-dry profile, it can be an excellent companion for:
- aged cheeses such as pecorino, ragusano, or parmesan;
- pâtés and foie gras, which find balance in the wine's smoothness;
- desserts made with dried fruit, such as cassata or almond biscuits;
- chocolate desserts or coffee creams, for a refined and aromatic finish.
Served slightly chilled (around 14-16°C), it can also be an excellent meditation wine, ideal for after dinner.
Storage and Aging: how to store Marsala Riserva Superiore Ambra Semisecco DOC 'Old John' 1998 - Cantine Pellegrino 1880
Thanks to its high alcohol content and sugar content, this Marsala Riserva Superiore Ambra Semisecco can be stored for a long time, retaining its characteristics even after many years. It is advisable to:
- keep the bottle upright, to prevent the wine from coming into contact with the cork;
- store it in a cool, dark place, with a constant temperature around 15°C;
- avoid sudden temperature changes and direct light.
After opening, the wine remains perfectly good for several weeks if carefully recorked and stored in a cool place. Over time, it can evolve further, enriching itself with more complex and harmonious nuances.
Pellegrino 1880 Wineries
The history of Cantine Pellegrino 1880 winery Cantine Pellegrino 1880 is a name that evokes a consolidated tradition and a winemaking legacy passed down through generations. The winery was founded in 1880 and since then has never stopped evolving, harmoniously combining respect for traditions wit...
How to best open and serve Marsala Riserva Superiore Ambra Semisecco DOC 'Old John' 1998 - Cantine Pellegrino 1880
1. Bottle positioning
Before opening Marsala Riserva Superiore Ambra Semisecco DOC 'Old John' 1998 - Cantine Pellegrino 1880, ensure the bottle has been stored horizontally, away from light and heat sources. If the bottle has been lying down for a long time, position it vertically for at least 24 hours before opening, so that the sediment settles at the bottom.
2. Ideal serving temperature
To enhance the complex aromas and smoothness of this aged Marsala, serve it at a temperature between 16°C and 18°C. Avoid temperatures that are too low, which would diminish its aromas, or too high, which would compromise its taste balance.
3. Opening the bottle
Use a lever or corkscrew corkscrew, with gentle movements to avoid damaging the cork, which may have weakened over time. You can follow these steps:
- Cut the capsule just below the lip of the bottle.
- Wipe the rim with a dry cloth.
- Insert the corkscrew screw gently and slowly extract the cork, keeping the bottle steady.
In case of a crumbly or partially deteriorated cork, use antique cork tongs (like Ah-So) or filter the wine through a fine strainer when decanting.
4. Inspection and first taste
Immediately after opening, visually and olfactorily inspect the wine. Pour a small amount into a glass:
- Check that the color is amber with golden reflections, characteristic of aged Marsala.
- Smell to check for any unpleasant odors (cork taint or excessive oxidation).
- Taste a drop to confirm the wine's quality before decanting.
5. Decanting and oxygenation
A wine of this age benefits from slow decanting. Gently pour Marsala Riserva Superiore Ambra Semisecco DOC 'Old John' 1998 - Cantine Pellegrino 1880 into a carafe, leaving the sediment at the bottom. Ideally, let the wine rest for 30-60 minutes in contact with air to promote oxygenation, which will help release aromas of dried fruit, honey, and sweet spices.
6. Serving
Serve the Marsala in medium-sized tulip glasses, which concentrate the aromas but also allow for good oxygenation. Pour small quantities at a time, to keep the wine always at the right temperature and allow the bouquet to express itself fully.
7. Storage after opening
After serving, re-seal the bottle tightly with its original cork or an airtight stopper. Store in the refrigerator or a cool, dark place. Thanks to its fortified nature, Marsala Riserva Superiore Ambra Semisecco DOC 'Old John' 1998 - Cantine Pellegrino 1880 can maintain its quality for 2-3 weeks after opening, if well-preserved.
