What kind of wine is Marsala Semisecco Superiore Riserva DOC 2015 - Florio?
The Marsala Semisecco Superiore Riserva DOC 2015 - Florio is a fortified wine, a symbol of Sicilian tradition, born from a production technique that combines history and passion. It belongs to the Marsala category, fortified wines known for their high alcohol content, in this case around 18 degrees. The Semisecco version maintains a perfect balance between sweetness and freshness, resulting in a rich yet never cloying wine.
Vintage Details
The 2015 vintage was characterized by balanced weather conditions that allowed the Grillo, Catarratto, and Inzolia grapes — typical varieties of the Marsala area — to ripen slowly. The harvest, carried out manually when the grapes reach slight overripeness, produces intense and concentrated musts, rich in aromas and color.
Winemaking and Aging
The production of Marsala Semisecco Superiore Riserva DOC 2015 - Florio follows a rigorous process. After pressing with a traditional press, fermentation takes place in concrete vats, where controlled oxygenation (micro-oxygenation) promotes aromatic complexity. Fortification — the addition of alcohol to halt fermentation and preserve the natural grape sugars — gives the wine its typical character.
Aging then continues for about twenty years in oak barrels placed a few meters from the sea, an environment that imparts saline nuances and unique notes. The long contact with wood and sea air makes this Marsala a complex and extraordinarily harmonious wine.
Tasting Notes
The Marsala Semisecco Superiore Riserva DOC 2015 - Florio is an intense and deep wine that captivates with its balance of sweetness, elegance, and structure.
Color
It presents a luminous amber hue with golden reflections, the result of prolonged aging and contact with wood.
Nose
The bouquet is broad and enveloping: notes of dried fruit, candied orange peel, honey, sweet spices, and a maritime touch that speaks of its territory emerge. Each breath reveals new nuances, making the tasting an evolving experience.
Palate
On the palate, it is full and velvety. The residual sugar of the semisecco is balanced by a pleasant saline vein and a slight balsamic note. The long finish leaves traces of carob and almond, with a warm and harmonious conclusion.
Food Pairings for Marsala Semisecco Superiore Riserva DOC 2015 - Florio
Versatile and surprising, this Marsala is an ideal companion for both desserts and savory dishes with strong flavors. Here are some pairing ideas:
- Aged cheeses like Sicilian Pecorino or 36-month Parmesan
- Foie gras and liver pâté
- Desserts with dried fruit or dark chocolate
- As a meditation wine, served at the end of a meal, slightly chilled
Storage and Aging: How to store Marsala Semisecco Superiore Riserva DOC 2015 - Florio
Thanks to its high alcohol content and natural sugar presence, the Marsala Semisecco Superiore Riserva DOC 2015 - Florio is an extraordinarily long-lived wine. It can be stored for many years without losing quality; in fact, it develops further aromatic complexity over time.
To store it best:
- Store it in a dark, cool place, with a constant temperature between 12 and 16°C.
- Keep the bottle upright if it has already been opened, to limit air contact.
- After opening, thanks to its robust structure, it can maintain excellent condition for several weeks.
A bottle that also lends itself beautifully to slow consumption, to be rediscovered over time, glass by glass.
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 2015 - Florio
1. Bottle positioning
Before opening Marsala Semisecco Superiore Riserva DOC 2015 - Florio, ensure the bottle has been kept horizontally to allow the cork to remain moist. Approximately 24 hours before tasting, it is advisable to position it vertically to allow any sediment to settle at the bottom, preventing it from mixing with the wine during serving.
2. Ideal serving temperature
The right temperature is crucial to fully appreciate the complex aromatic notes of this aged Marsala. Serve Marsala Semisecco Superiore Riserva DOC 2015 - Florio at a temperature between 14°C and 16°C. You can briefly chill it in an ice bucket with water and ice, being careful not to serve it too cold, as this can penalize its aromas.
3. Opening the bottle
Use a lever or screw-pull corkscrew to gently remove the cork, avoiding excessive twisting. If the cork tends to crumble, a sign of long storage, filter it carefully during pouring. Then clean the neck of the bottle with a dry cloth to remove any residue.
4. Inspection and first taste
After opening, smell the cork: it should have an intense but balanced aroma, without hints of mold or excessive oxidation. Pour a small amount into the glass and evaluate the bright, uniform amber color. Upon the first taste, the flavor should be harmonious, with warm notes of dried fruit and spices typical of Marsala Semisecco Superiore Riserva DOC 2015 - Florio.
5. Decanting and oxygenation
An aged wine like this benefits from decanting, useful for separating any sediment and promoting oxygenation. Slowly pour the contents into a carafe or decanter, allowing the wine to rest for about 20-30 minutes before serving. This process will enhance the complex aromas of wood, vanilla, and caramel typical of Marsala.
6. Serving
Serve Marsala Semisecco Superiore Riserva DOC 2015 - Florio in short-stemmed crystal glasses with a wide opening, ideal for fortified wines. Pour small quantities to allow adequate oxygenation in the glass. Pair this Marsala with aged cheeses, almond desserts, or dark chocolate for a memorable tasting experience.
7. Storage after opening
After opening, reseal the bottle with an airtight or silicone stopper to reduce contact with air. Store Marsala Semisecco Superiore Riserva DOC 2015 - Florio in a cool, dark place, preferably at a constant temperature. If well sealed, it can maintain its qualities for 2-3 months.