What kind of wine is Marsala Vergine DOP 'Soleras' - Cantine Pellegrino 1880

The Marsala Vergine DOP 'Soleras' - Cantine Pellegrino 1880 is one of the most authentic and fascinating expressions of the celebrated Sicilian fortified wine. Born in the Marsala area, in the province of Trapani, this wine is distinguished by its higher alcohol content – generally around 18-19% vol – and a complex but surprisingly balanced style. The term "Vergine" indicates that it is a dry Marsala, without the addition of cooked musts or mistelle, hence of great purity and structure.

Vintage details

The Grillo, Catarratto, and Inzolia grapes are harvested in the second half of September, when they have reached full ripeness. This allows for a richer and more concentrated juice, ideal for the production of Marsala Vergine. The wine's style reflects the sunny and windy territory of western Sicily: warm, mineral, and with a saline imprint reminiscent of the sea.

Winemaking and aging

After fermentation at a controlled temperature, the wine undergoes what is known as fortification, which is the addition of wine-derived alcohol that raises its strength while preserving aromas and freshness. The subsequent aging takes place using the traditional Soleras method – a system of fractional and continuous aging – which allows wines of different vintages to be blended to achieve a consistent and harmonious profile. The Marsala Vergine DOP 'Soleras' matures for over 5 years in large oak barrels of various capacities (100, 80, and 50 hl), where it acquires oxidative nuances, evolved aromas, and extraordinary taste complexity.

Tasting notes

Color

Visually, it presents a golden amber color, bright and deep, revealing its long time in wood and the organoleptic evolution typical of great fortified wines.

Nose

On the nose, it releases an intense and sophisticated bouquet: notes of dried fruit such as almond and hazelnut intertwine with hints of tobacco, toasted wood, honey, and a delicate balsamic touch. It is a broad, enveloping, and constantly evolving nose.

Palate

On the palate, it is dry, warm, and harmonious. Its full structure is balanced by a surprising freshness that invites the next sip. Long and persistent, it leaves sensations of dried fruit and sweet spices in the mouth with an elegant finish.

Food pairings with Marsala Vergine DOP 'Soleras' - Cantine Pellegrino 1880

The Marsala Vergine DOP 'Soleras' is a versatile wine, suitable for various consumption occasions. It is ideal as:

• a distinctive aperitif, served chilled, paired with aged cheeses like Parmigiano Reggiano or Pecorino;
• a perfect companion for dishes based on smoked fish, crustaceans, or white meats;
• a meditation wine to enjoy alone, after a meal, to appreciate its aromatic depth.

Thanks to its dryness, it differs from sweeter Marsalas, being particularly pleasant even for those who prefer structured but not sugary wines.

Storage and aging

For those wondering how to store Marsala Vergine DOP 'Soleras' - Cantine Pellegrino 1880, the answer is simple: it is a naturally stable and long-lived wine. The high alcohol content and wood aging allow it to withstand time better than many other wines. It is advisable to store the bottle upright, away from light and temperature changes. Once opened, it can maintain its quality for several weeks, if well re-sealed and stored in a cool place. This makes Marsala Vergine one of the few wines capable of offering pleasure and consistency over time, sip after sip.