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€114,00
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Vintage:
1988
Denomination:
Marsala
Origin:
Italy, Sicily
Alcohol:
18%
Format:
0.75 L
Product origin:
Business
Serving temperature:
16°
When to drink:
Meditation, Dinner, After dinner
Type:
Fortified Wine
Taste:
Rich and warm, sweet but balanced by a fresh savoriness and elegant oxidative notes.
Flavorings:
honey, dried fruit, dates, caramel, sweet spices
Allergens:
Sulphites
Longevity:
21+ years
What kind of wine is Marsala Superiore Oro Riserva 1988 - Marco De Bartoli (cased)
The Marsala Superiore Oro Riserva 1988 - Marco De Bartoli (cased) is a Sicilian fortified wine of extraordinary personality, made in the heart of western Sicily, in Marsala. It is a Marsala Superiore Oro, meaning a richer and more structured version, with an alcoholic strength of around 18-19% vol, achieved through fortification, which is the addition of alcohol or concentrated must that increases its potency as well as its longevity. It is one of the highest expressions of Marco De Bartoli's work, a producer synonymous with the rebirth of quality Marsala.Vintage Details
The 1988 vintage stands out for the excellent quality of the Grillo grapes, an indigenous variety of western Sicily, harvested at full ripeness to enhance concentration and aromaticity. This is a wine that synthesizes elegance and depth, the result of a harvest carried out in a traditional way and respectful of nature's timing. The vintage is considered one of the most balanced due to the mild and constant climate, which allowed for healthy grapes with an ideal sugar profile for the production of Marsala Superiore.Winemaking and Aging
The Marsala Superiore Oro Riserva 1988 - Marco De Bartoli is born from a careful selection of Grillo grapes vinified in purity. After fermentation, a small quantity of mistella – a mixture of grape must and alcohol that serves to preserve the natural sugars – and a proportion of wine alcohol are added to the base wine, a practice known as fortification. This is followed by very long aging in oak barrels of various capacities for over twenty years, during which the wine acquires complexity, warmth, and an extraordinary aromatic richness. This slow and constant aging is the secret that gives the wine its intense profile, with evolved and persistent notes.Tasting Notes
Color
Visually, the Marsala Superiore Oro Riserva 1988 presents a deep golden amber color, with warm and luminous reflections that bear witness to its long aging in wood.Nose
The aroma is broad and enveloping, reminiscent of dried fruit, dates, and candied orange peel, accompanied by hints of honey, sweet spices, and a touch of vanilla. The oxidative nuances, typical of great aged Marsala, are perfectly balanced by a fresh and citrusy vein.Palate
The sip is velvety, sweet but never cloying, balanced by a slight marine savoriness. The body is full and harmonious, with a very long finish that recalls notes of caramel and hazelnut. Its elegance and softness make it a meditation wine, ideal for those seeking a complex but accessible sensory experience.What dishes to pair with Marsala Superiore Oro Riserva 1988 - Marco De Bartoli (cased)
This fortified wine lends itself to many gastronomic combinations thanks to its intense aromaticity and the softness typical of long aging. Perfect in combination with:- dry pastries and almond-based desserts;
- blue or aged cheeses;
- foie gras and sweet and sour preparations;
- dark chocolate desserts or dried fruit tarts.
Storage and aging: how to store Marsala Superiore Oro Riserva 1988 - Marco De Bartoli (cased)
Thanks to its alcohol content and particular processing, the Marsala Superiore Oro Riserva 1988 is a naturally long-lived wine. It is advisable to store it in a cool, dark place, away from temperature changes and direct light. Once opened, the bottle can be recorked and kept in a cool place for several weeks without losing its characteristics. The alcoholic and sugary components act as natural preservatives, allowing the wine to evolve slightly over time, maintaining its warm and enveloping notes. A true treasure to keep in your home cellar or to give to those who love to discover the most authentic essence of traditional Marsala.
Marco De Bartoli
The History of Marco De Bartoli Winery The Marco De Bartoli winery is a benchmark in the Italian wine scene, thanks to its ability to expertly blend tradition and innovation. Founded in the 1980s by Marco De Bartoli, the winery is located in Sicily and represents the legacy of a family deeply roo...
How to best open and serve Marsala Superiore Oro Riserva 1988 - Marco De Bartoli (cased)
1. Bottle positioning
Before opening the Marsala Superiore Oro Riserva 1988 - Marco De Bartoli (cased), it's important to position it correctly. If the bottle has been stored horizontally in the cellar, keep it in that position for a few hours, so that any sediment settles at the bottom. Avoid shaking or sudden movements that could cloud the wine.
2. Ideal serving temperature
The optimal serving temperature for this aged Marsala is between 16°C and 18°C. A slight cooling enhances the aromatic complexity, maintaining the perfect balance between sweetness, acidity, and the oxidative notes typical of Marsala Superiore Oro.
3. Opening the bottle
Use a good quality lever or screwpull corkscrew. Follow these steps:
- Carefully remove the seal or capsule.
- Clean the neck of the bottle with a dry, clean cloth.
- Insert the corkscrew worm into the center of the cork and twist it slowly until it reaches about two-thirds of its length.
- Gently extract the cork, keeping the bottle steady.
If the cork shows signs of fragility or crumbles, use a two-pronged cork puller to avoid damaging the wine.
4. Inspection and initial tasting
After opening, smell the cork: it should have a clean aroma, with oxidative and dried fruit notes but no hints of mold or vinegar. Pour a small amount into the glass and taste to check that the wine is in optimal condition. The Marsala Superiore Oro Riserva 1988 should express aromas of honey, dates, dried apricot, and fine wood.
5. Decanting and aeration
Vintage wines like Marsala Superiore Oro Riserva 1988 benefit from a light decanting. Slowly pour the wine into a clear decanter, stopping if you notice any sediment.
- Let the wine rest in the decanter for approximately 20-30 minutes.
- Do not over-aerate: as it is already a mature wine, it could lose some of its complexity if left in the air for too long.
This process allows the aromas to fully develop and softens any alcoholic notes.
6. Serving
Serve Marsala Superiore Oro Riserva 1988 - Marco De Bartoli (cased) in large, slightly flared liqueur glasses to direct the aromas to the nose. Pour small quantities at a time, to maintain a constant temperature and fully enjoy every aromatic nuance.
It pairs splendidly with:
- Blue or aged cheeses;
- Almond-based desserts;
- Dark chocolate;
- Moments of reflection at the end of a meal.
7. Storage after opening
After serving, re-seal the bottle with its original cork or a specific airtight stopper. Store the Marsala Superiore Oro Riserva 1988 - Marco De Bartoli (cased) in a cool place, away from light and heat sources.
- In the refrigerator, it can maintain its characteristics for 2-3 months.
- Bring it back to room temperature before the next serving to appreciate its aromatic bouquet again.
By following these instructions, you will enhance all the nobility, history, and elegance of this extraordinary Sicilian Marsala.
