What wine is Marsala Vergine Riserva DOC 1998 - Florio (boxed)
The Marsala Vergine Riserva DOC 1998 - Florio (boxed) is a Sicilian fortified wine of great complexity and charm, an emblem of Marsala's historic winemaking tradition. It stands out for its dry nature and decided alcohol content, around 19°, resulting from a perfect balance between base wine and the addition of pure wine alcohol, a technique known as "fortification." It is a meditation wine, ideal for those seeking intense and authentic sensory experiences.Vintage Details
The 1998 vintage yielded highly concentrated grapes thanks to a balanced climate, with warm and breezy days typical of the Trapani coast. The harvest, carried out strictly by hand, allowed for the selection of only slightly overripe bunches, capable of imparting structure and aromatic complexity. The result is a wine with an evolved yet perfectly integrated character, which still retains a surprising balance today.Vinification and Aging
The production process of Marsala Vergine Riserva DOC 1998 - Florio (boxed) follows the classic rules of the denomination. After fermentation in concrete tanks, where the must undergoes controlled micro-oxygenation to enrich its aromatic nuances, it is fortified with ethyl alcohol of wine origin. Aging takes place for over 20 years in oak barrels of various capacities, located in the evocative Florio warehouses, a few meters from the sea. The prolonged natural oxidation gives the wine its unmistakable mature and complex profile.Tasting Notes
This Marsala Vergine Riserva offers a rich and layered sensory experience, evolving in the glass minute by minute.Color
It presents an intense amber with golden reflections, clear evidence of its evolution and long contact with wood.Nose
On the nose, it opens with broad and complex aromas: notes of dried fruit, candied orange peel, licorice root, and hints of vanilla. The oxidative sensations, typical of the "vergine" style, are perfectly integrated, offering elegance and aromatic depth.Palate
On the palate, it is dry, warm, and velvety. The entry is decisive, with a harmonious and persistent structure. The finish is very long, with echoes of toasted almond, noble wood, and sweet spices. A wine to be savored slowly, perhaps with a good cigar or during a relaxed after-dinner conversation.Food Pairings for Marsala Vergine Riserva DOC 1998 - Florio (boxed)
Its dry and concentrated profile makes it ideal for refined and unconventional pairings. Perfect to enjoy:- with aged and spicy cheeses, such as Parmigiano Reggiano or Sicilian Pecorino;
- alongside liver dishes or pâtés, which are balanced by its structure;
- as a meditation wine, served slightly chilled (around 14-16°C), to appreciate all its nuances.
Storage and Aging: How to store Marsala Vergine Riserva DOC 1998 - Florio (boxed)
Thanks to its high alcohol content and long oxidative aging, the 1998 Florio Marsala is an extremely long-lived wine. If stored correctly, it can maintain its qualities for many years to come. To preserve its aroma:- keep the bottle in an upright position, in a cool place away from sources of light and heat;
- once opened, keep it tightly closed, preferably in the refrigerator, and consume it within a few weeks, to best enjoy its aromatic complexity.
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 Vergine Riserva DOC 1998 - Florio (boxed)
1. Bottle positioning
Before opening Marsala Vergine Riserva DOC 1998 - Florio (boxed), position the bottle upright for at least 24 hours. This allows sediment, typical of aged wines, to settle at the bottom. Avoid shaking or moving it abruptly to prevent compromising the wine's clarity during service.
2. Ideal serving temperature
To best appreciate the complex aromatic nuances of this Marsala Vergine, the ideal serving temperature is between 16° and 18°C. If the wine is too cold, the aromas will be muted; if too warm, the alcohol will overpower the elegant and persistent aromas typical of its long maturation.
3. Opening the bottle
Use a lever or blade corkscrew to avoid breaking the cork, which can become fragile after years of aging. Follow these steps:
- Carefully remove the protective capsule.
- Clean the neck of the bottle with a dry cloth.
- Gently insert the corkscrew, avoiding piercing the cork completely.
- Extract slowly, keeping the bottle steady and upright.
In case of a deteriorated cork, you can filter the wine with a fine-mesh strainer.
4. Inspection and initial tasting
Pour a small amount of Marsala Vergine Riserva DOC 1998 - Florio (boxed) into a tasting glass. Observe the color: it should display amber tones with golden reflections. Gently sniff to check for any cork taint or oxidation and proceed with an initial taste to ensure the wine is sound and harmonious.
5. Decanting and oxygenation
Being an aged wine, it is advisable to decant it slowly to allow the complex aromas to express themselves fully. Pour the contents into a wide-necked carafe, avoiding disturbing any residue. Allow to oxygenate for 20–30 minutes. This step will enhance the notes of dried fruit, spices, and noble woods that characterize Marsala Vergine Riserva DOC 1998 - Florio (boxed).
6. Serving
Serve the wine in large glasses, preferably tulip or balloon-shaped, which allow for proper oxygenation and concentration of aromas. It can be enjoyed on its own, as a meditation wine, or paired with aged cheeses, dry pastries, or dark chocolate. Pour slowly, avoiding disturbing any deposits remaining in the bottle.
7. Storage after opening
After opening, reseal the bottle carefully and store it in a cool, dark place at a constant temperature. Marsala Vergine Riserva DOC 1998 - Florio (boxed) can maintain its quality for several weeks thanks to its high alcohol content, but to enjoy it at its best, it is advisable to consume it within 2–3 weeks. You can use an airtight stopper or a vacuum preservation system to prolong its freshness.