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 extraordinary personality, a symbol of the great Sicilian winemaking tradition. It is a Marsala Superiore, meaning a fortified wine – obtained by adding a small amount of alcohol or cooked must to the base wine – capable of reaching an alcohol content of around 18 degrees. It is a "semidry" type, thus halfway between the sweet and dry versions, perfect for those who desire a balance between softness and vibrancy.
Vintage Details
The 2013 vintage was characterized by particularly favorable weather, which allowed for a harvest of ripe and concentrated grapes. The harvest, carried out strictly by hand, selected overripe bunches, rich in sugars and aromatic substances, ideal for creating an elegant and complex Marsala. The result is a balanced wine, with a significant structure and a contained but harmonious sweetness.
Winemaking and Aging
After harvesting, the grapes are pressed with a traditional press to preserve color and flavor. Fermentation takes place in concrete tanks, where micro-oxygenation processes – a slow and controlled supply of oxygen – allow the wine to evolve and acquire aromatic depth. This is followed by aging for over twenty years in oak barrels, stored in the Florio cellars overlooking the sea of Marsala, where the salty air contributes to giving grace and personality to the wine.
Tasting Notes
Color
Visually, the Marsala Semisecco Superiore Riserva DOC 2013 - Florio presents an intense amber hue, enriched with golden reflections that testify to the prolonged aging in wood.
Nose
The aroma is broad and enveloping, with notes of dried fruit such as almonds and hazelnuts, hints of caramel, vanilla, and sweet spices. The controlled oxidation imparts hints of precious wood and an unmistakable marine touch, a hallmark of Florio Marsala wines.
Taste
On the palate, it is soft and persistent, with a balanced sweetness that gives way to a pleasant savory vein. Notes of dates, honey, and a finish of candied fruit and spices are perceived, inviting the next sip. An enveloping wine, capable of telling the story of Sicily in every drop.
What to pair with Marsala Semisecco Superiore Riserva DOC 2013 - Florio
Versatile and refined, this Marsala lends itself to various food pairings. Perfect with both sweet and savory dishes, it enhances structured dishes and rich flavors.
- Aged and spicy cheeses, such as Pecorino or Gorgonzola
- Dishes based on foie gras or liver pâté
- Sicilian almond desserts or baked cassata
- As a meditation wine, served at the end of a meal
Served slightly chilled (around 14-16°C), it expresses its full aromatic complexity best.
Storage and aging: how to store Marsala Semisecco Superiore Riserva DOC 2013 - Florio wine
Thanks to its high alcohol content and special processing, the Marsala Semisecco Superiore Riserva DOC 2013 - Florio is a naturally long-lived wine. For optimal storage, it is advisable to keep it upright, away from direct light and temperature fluctuations. Once opened, the bottle can remain unaltered for several weeks if carefully resealed and stored in a cool place.
This Marsala can further evolve over time, offering increasingly intense and mature nuances: a small treasure to keep in your cellar or to enjoy on special occasions.
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 open and best serve Marsala Semisecco Superiore Riserva DOC 2013 - Florio
1. Bottle positioning
Before opening Marsala Semisecco Superiore Riserva DOC 2013 - Florio, it is important to position the bottle upright for a few hours. This allows natural sediments, typical of aged wines, to settle at the bottom, preventing them from ending up in the glass when served.
2. Ideal serving temperature
Marsala Semisecco Superiore Riserva DOC 2013 - Florio best expresses its aromatic notes when served at a temperature of 16–18°C. If too cold, it might appear closed or rigid; if too warm, it risks losing balance and finesse.
3. Opening the bottle
Carefully remove the capsule and clean the neck of the bottle. Use a lever corkscrew or a screw-type one, avoiding jolts and abrupt movements. Slowly insert the spiral into the center of the cork and extract it gently to avoid breaking it. If the cork crumbles, filter the wine with fine gauze during decanting.
4. Inspection and first taste
After opening, observe the wine's color in a clean glass: a Marsala of this vintage should show amber hues and golden reflections. On the nose, check that the aroma is intact, with notes of dried fruit, honey, and wood. Taste a small sip to ensure the wine has no oxidative defects or excessive acidity.
5. Decanting and oxygenation
Despite being a fortified wine, Marsala Semisecco Superiore Riserva DOC 2013 - Florio benefits from moderate decanting to promote oxygenation and the full expression of its aromas. Proceed as follows:
- Prepare a carafe or a decanter with a wide neck.
- Slowly pour the wine, avoiding disturbing the sediments settled at the bottom of the bottle.
- Allow to oxygenate for approximately 30–45 minutes before serving.
This phase will enhance its aromatic complexity and softness on the palate.
6. Serving
Serve Marsala Semisecco Superiore Riserva DOC 2013 - Florio in medium-sized glasses with a slightly flared opening, ideal for concentrating the aromas. Pour small quantities to allow for gradual and controlled tasting. This wine pairs magnificently with aged cheeses, foie gras, and dried fruit-based desserts.
7. Storage after opening
After serving, re-seal the bottle with the original cork or an airtight stopper. Store in a cool, dry place away from direct light. Marsala Semisecco Superiore Riserva DOC 2013 - Florio can maintain its characteristics for several weeks if properly protected from oxygen.
By following these simple instructions, you can best appreciate all the nuances and extraordinary elegance of this excellent Sicilian wine.