What kind of wine is Marsala Vergine Riserva DOC 2006 - Florio
Marsala Vergine Riserva DOC 2006 - Florio is a fortified wine of extraordinary complexity and structure, the fruit of the historic Florio winery, guardian of the ancient Marsala tradition since 1833. This wine belongs to the "Marsala Vergine" type, a dry and refined version of the renowned Sicilian wine, characterized by a higher alcohol content (around 19% vol.). It is a product for long meditation, designed for those who love fortified wines with a strong character and an authentic history.Vintage Details
The 2006 vintage is remembered for the balanced climatic conditions that favored optimal ripening of the Grillo grapes, hand-harvested in the first half of September. The selection of slightly overripe bunches allows for the concentration of aromas, sugars, and phenolic substances, fundamental elements for the wine's structure and longevity. The result is a Marsala that reveals the purest and most territorial soul of the native Sicilian grape variety.Winemaking and Aging
Marsala Vergine Riserva DOC 2006 - Florio is born from meticulous winemaking: fermentation takes place in concrete tanks, where controlled oxygenation – called micro-oxygenation – helps to develop aromatic complexity and softness. After fermentation, the wine is fortified with the addition of wine alcohol, a typical step for fortified wines, and then left to mature for a full 18 years in small oak barrels. The barrels rest in the Florio warehouses, just 150 meters from the sea, where the influence of the sea breeze contributes to creating an ideal microclimate for unique evolution.Tasting Notes
Color
To the eye, Marsala Vergine Riserva DOC 2006 - Florio presents a deep amber color with golden reflections, a sign of long maturation and the beneficial oxidation that characterizes the best Marsala Vergine.Nose
The aroma is intense and complex: notes of toasted hazelnut, dried dates, sweet spices, and saline hints emerge, telling of the wine's connection to the sea. With oxygenation, nuances of blond tobacco and noble wood open up, offering a bouquet of great elegance and depth.Palate
On the palate, the wine is dry, warm, and enveloping. The well-integrated alcohol balances a savory and harmonious structure. Hints of dried fruit and a long, clean, and slightly balsamic finish are perceived. It is a wine of great balance, with a persistence that tells of its 18 years of slow evolution in the barrel.Pairings for Marsala Vergine Riserva DOC 2006 - Florio
Marsala Vergine Riserva DOC 2006 - Florio is a wine to be savored slowly, perfect for accompanying moments of meditation or dishes with intense flavors. It can be paired with:- Aged cheeses such as Parmigiano Reggiano or Sicilian Pecorino.
- Dishes based on mushrooms or truffles, which enhance its aromatic depth.
- Foie gras or preparations based on white meats in sauce.
- Dry desserts and almond biscuits, if a contrasting pairing is desired.
Storage and aging: how to store Marsala Vergine Riserva DOC 2006 - Florio wine
Thanks to its high alcohol content and oxidative structure, this Marsala is particularly resistant to time. It is advisable to store it:- In a cool, dark place, away from heat sources and direct light.
- Upright, to reduce contact with the cork.
- At a constant temperature, ideally between 14 and 18°C.
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 Vergine Riserva DOC 2006 - Florio
1. Bottle Positioning
Before opening Marsala Vergine Riserva DOC 2006 - Florio, let the bottle rest upright for at least 24 hours. This step allows any sediment, natural in wines with a long evolution, to settle at the bottom, preventing it from mixing with the wine during serving.
2. Ideal Serving Temperature
The Marsala Vergine Riserva DOC 2006 - Florio best expresses its complexity between 14°C and 16°C. If the bottle is stored in a cellar at a lower temperature, remove it well in advance and let it acclimatize slowly at room temperature, avoiding sudden temperature changes.
3. Opening the Bottle
Use a quality corkscrew, preferably a lever type, to carefully remove the capsule and then the cork. In aged wines like Marsala Vergine Riserva DOC 2006 - Florio, the cork can be fragile. In this case, proceed slowly and gently to prevent it from crumbling.
- Cut the capsule below the neck ring.
- Clean the bottle rim with a clean cloth.
- Extract the cork slowly, keeping the bottle still.
4. Inspection and First Taste
After opening, visually inspect the wine: the color should be brilliant, with amber reflections. Gently sniff the glass to check for complex and oxidative aromas, typical of Marsala Vergine. A small taste will allow you to ensure the wine is in perfect condition before decanting.
5. Decanting and Oxygenation
To best enhance the bouquet of Marsala Vergine Riserva DOC 2006 - Florio, decanting is recommended. Slowly pour the wine into a decanter, stopping if you notice deposits at the bottom. Allow it to oxygenate for about 20-30 minutes before serving: this will enhance its aromatic complexity and gustatory smoothness.
6. Serving
Serve the Marsala Vergine Riserva DOC 2006 - Florio in medium-sized, slightly flared glasses to best concentrate the aromas. Pour a moderate amount of wine and invite your guests to appreciate its olfactory and gustatory evolution, which changes pleasantly over time in the glass.
7. Storage After Opening
After serving, re-cork the bottle with the original cork or a specific airtight stopper for fortified wines. Store the Marsala Vergine Riserva DOC 2006 - Florio in a cool place, away from light and heat sources. Thanks to its fortified nature, it can maintain its qualities unchanged for several weeks, continuing to offer a refined sensory experience with every glass.