What kind of wine is Marsala Semisecco Superiore Riserva DOC 2013 - Florio?
The Marsala Semisecco Superiore Riserva DOC 2013 - Florio is a fortified wine of great character, a symbol of Sicilian winemaking tradition. It originates in the historic area of Marsala, in the province of Trapani, where the Florio winery has preserved the art of "fortified wine" for over a century – a wine to which wine alcohol is added to increase its alcohol content and ensure extraordinary longevity. With its approximately 18 degrees, it ranks among the richest and most persistent fortified wines, comparable in intensity to Port or Sherry, but with a distinctly Mediterranean style and a strong territorial identity.
Vintage Details
The 2013 vintage is considered of excellent quality for the grapes used in the production of Florio Marsala. The grapes, harvested manually when slightly withered on the vine, guarantee a natural concentration of sugars and aromas. This process results in a balanced wine, capable of combining sweet notes with a pleasant marine savoriness. The semi-dry style, in fact, perfectly positions itself between sweeter and drier versions, offering a harmonious middle ground that appeals to both novices and enthusiasts.
Winemaking and Aging
The Marsala Semisecco Superiore Riserva DOC 2013 - Florio is born from careful processing that blends tradition and technique. After pressing with traditional presses, the musts ferment slowly in cement tanks, where constant micro-oxygenation accompanies the wine in its aromatic development. Fortification with pure wine alcohol stops the fermentation, preserving some natural residual sugar. This is followed by a long aging – about twenty years – in oak barrels placed a few meters from the sea, where humidity and salty air contribute to creating a unique organoleptic profile.
Tasting Notes
This Marsala is a wine of extraordinary sensory complexity, telling the story of time spent in the barrel and the mastery of the Florio winery.
Color
It presents an intense amber color with golden reflections, bright and deep, typical of aged Marsala. The color is the first indication of its structure and long stay in wood.
Nose
On the nose, it releases broad and layered aromas: notes of dried fruit, honey, dates, and figs are recognizable, accompanied by hints of vanilla and slight iodine undertones, due to aging near the sea. The evolution of the bouquet is slow and progressive, a sign of the wine's maturity.
Palate
On the palate, it is full-bodied and enveloping. The moderate sweetness of Marsala Semisecco Superiore Riserva DOC 2013 - Florio is balanced by a lively freshness and a saline note that makes it dynamic and never cloying. The finish is long, with an aromatic persistence of toasted fruit, licorice, and sweet spices.
Food Pairings for Marsala Semisecco Superiore Riserva DOC 2013 - Florio
This semi-dry Marsala lends itself to numerous gastronomic pairings, enhancing both sweet and savory dishes. Thanks to its balance between sweetness and savoriness, it is extremely versatile:
- Perfect with aged cheeses such as Parmigiano Reggiano or Ragusano DOP;
- Excellent with foie gras and pâté;
- Ideal with dried fruit tarts, Sicilian cassata, or dark chocolate desserts;
- Also worth trying as a meditation wine, enjoyed on its own at the end of a meal.
Storage and Aging
Those wondering how to store Marsala Semisecco Superiore Riserva DOC 2013 - Florio should know that its structure and high alcohol content make it particularly stable over time. It is a wine designed to last, which can be stored for years while maintaining its qualities intact.
- Store the bottle upright in a cool place away from direct light sources.
- Once opened, it can maintain its aromatic integrity for several weeks if properly resealed and refrigerated.
Over the years, the Marsala Semisecco Superiore Riserva DOC 2013 - Florio continues to evolve, offering ever new and more complex nuances. A wine that is not just tasted, but experienced over time.
Florio
The History of Florio Winery Florio is a name that evokes a rich winemaking tradition, born in the heart of Sicily. Founded in 1833 by Vincenzo Florio, the company quickly became synonymous with excellence and innovation. For almost two centuries, Florio has been able to interpret the Sicilian te...
How to best open and serve Marsala Semisecco Superiore Riserva DOC 2013 - Florio
1. Bottle positioning
Before opening Marsala Semisecco Superiore Riserva DOC 2013 - Florio, ensure that the bottle has been stored horizontally, away from direct light and temperature fluctuations. Approximately 24 hours before opening, it is advisable to position it vertically to allow natural sediments to settle at the bottom, facilitating a clearer pour.
2. Ideal serving temperature
This Marsala reveals all its aromatic complexity when served at the right temperature. Keep the wine between 14°C and 16°C to enhance the aromas of dried fruit, spices, and oxidative notes typical of long aging. Avoid excessively low temperatures, which would attenuate its taste-olfactory intensity.
3. Opening the bottle
Use a slow-lever or spiral corkscrew to ensure a delicate opening. Follow these steps:
- Cut the capsule below the neck ring, cleaning the edge thoroughly.
- Insert the corkscrew worm into the center of the cork and turn slowly.
- Extract the cork with a controlled movement to avoid vibrations.
If the cork shows signs of fragility, you can use a two-pronged cork puller to prevent breakage.
4. Inspection and initial tasting
Immediately after opening, smell the cork to ensure it has no unpleasant or musty odors. Pour a small amount of Marsala Semisecco Superiore Riserva DOC 2013 - Florio into the glass and check its clarity and aroma: a complex and clean bouquet indicates a well-preserved wine.
5. Decanting and oxygenation
With over ten years of aging, this Marsala can benefit from slight oxygenation. Gently pour the wine into a decanting carafe, allowing it to breathe for 15-20 minutes. This process:
- Facilitates the separation of any sediments.
- Allows the aromas of dates, dried fruit, and sweet spices to open up.
- Makes the sip more harmonious and smooth.
6. Serving
Choose large dessert wine or passito glasses to enhance the complex aromas. When serving, fill the glass about one-third full, leaving room for the bouquet to expand freely. Pair Marsala Semisecco Superiore Riserva DOC 2013 - Florio with aged cheeses, dry desserts, or dark chocolate for an elegant pairing.
7. Storage after opening
If not consumed entirely, reseal the bottle with its original cork or an airtight stopper. Store Marsala Semisecco Superiore Riserva DOC 2013 - Florio in a cool, dark place, preferably in the refrigerator. Under these conditions, the wine maintains its characteristics for 3-4 weeks after opening.