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€49,88
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Vintage:
2011
Denomination:
Marsala
Grape variety:
cricket
Origin:
Italy, Sicily
Alcohol:
19%
Format:
0.75 L
Product origin:
Business
Serving temperature:
16°
Refinement:
10 years in oak barrels
When to drink:
Meditation, Dinner, After dinner
Type:
Fortified Wine
Taste:
complex and enveloping with notes of dried fruit and sweet spices, a long and harmonious finish
Flavorings:
hazelnut, honey, vanilla, dates, tobacco
Allergens:
Sulphites
Longevity:
21+ years
What kind of wine is Marsala Vergine Riserva DOC 2011 - Florio
The Marsala Vergine Riserva DOC 2011 - Florio is a dry fortified wine born on the western coast of Sicily, in the historic Florio winery in Marsala. It is one of the highest expressions of Sicilian enological art: a Marsala Vergine with an extraordinary personality, which tells the story of the territory's strength and the mastery of fortification, that is, the controlled addition of alcohol to increase its alcohol content (around 19°). This style of wine ideally stands alongside great classics such as Sherry and Port, but with a deeply Mediterranean and marine soul.
Vintage Details
The 2011 vintage is the result of a particularly dry and sunny summer, which favored the complete ripening of the grapes. The harvest, carried out manually in mid-September, selected only slightly overripe Grillo grapes, concentrating aromas, sugars, and extractive substance. The result is a Marsala of significant structure, elegant and complex, which perfectly represents the "Vergine Riserva" style, dry and mature, yet vibrant and harmonious.
Winemaking and Aging
After fermentation in concrete tanks, favored by continuous micro-oxygenation which enriches its consistency, the wine is fortified according to the Marsala tradition. The aging continues for about 18 years in small oak barrels located in the ancient Florio cellars, just 150 meters from the sea. The brackish environment, with its constant humidity, gives unique notes and continuous evolution that enhances the aromatic complexity of the wine.
Tasting Notes
Color
Marsala Vergine Riserva DOC 2011 - Florio presents an fascinating bright amber color, with golden and coppery reflections. It is the typical shade of great Marsala Vergine, mature and long-lived, obtained from very long contact with wood.
Nose
The nose reveals clear and enveloping aromas: dried fruit, toasted almonds, candied orange peel, and light iodine notes. With oxygenation, hints of root, licorice, and blond tobacco are perceived, clear signs of aging in oak and the marine influence of the coastal cellars.
Taste
On the palate, it is dry, deep, and harmonious. Alcohol and salt blend in perfect balance, creating a full yet not heavy drink. The finish is long, with hints of walnuts and sweet spices that invite another sip. A meditation wine, also perfect for those seeking a sensory experience different from traditional sweet wines.
Food Pairings for Marsala Vergine Riserva DOC 2011 - Florio
The Marsala Vergine Riserva DOC 2011 - Florio is an ideal companion for cuisine rich in strong flavors. Here are some pairing suggestions:
- aged and spicy cheeses like pecorino or parmesan;
- liver, offal, or dishes based on mushrooms and truffles;
- traditional Sicilian dishes such as sweet and sour tuna or hunter's-style rabbit;
- as a meditation wine, served alone at the end of a meal, at a slightly cool temperature (14–16 °C).
Its complex taste also makes it a surprising pairing with unsweetened dark chocolate or dry almond desserts.
Storage and Aging: How to Store Marsala Vergine Riserva DOC 2011 - Florio
Thanks to its high alcohol content and particular structure, this Marsala has extraordinary longevity. To best preserve Marsala Vergine Riserva DOC 2011 - Florio, it is advisable to:
- keep the bottle in an upright position, to reduce contact of the wine with the cork;
- maintain a cool environment (around 15–18 °C) and protect it from direct light;
- avoid sudden temperature changes and vibrations;
- after opening, thanks to its structure and alcohol content, it can remain unaltered for several weeks if well sealed and stored in a cool place.
A wine that is not afraid of time: on the contrary, over the years it continues to evolve, offering new nuances and an increasingly refined aromatic depth.
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 2011 - Florio
1. Bottle positioning
Before opening Marsala Vergine Riserva DOC 2011 - Florio, position the bottle upright for at least 24 hours. This allows natural sediments to settle at the bottom, making for a clear and clean pour. Avoid sudden movements or shaking that could cloud the wine.
2. Ideal serving temperature
The ideal temperature to fully appreciate the characteristics of this Marsala Vergine Riserva DOC 2011 - Florio is 16-18°C. This temperature allows the complex bouquet and oxidative aromas typical of Marsala to fully express themselves. If the wine is too cold, you risk losing some of its aromatic complexity; if too warm, the alcohol might overpower the aromas.
3. Opening the bottle
Use a lever corkscrew to slowly extract the cork. In the case of an aged wine like Marsala Vergine Riserva DOC 2011 - Florio, the cork might be fragile: make sure not to break it. If necessary, use a two-pronged cork puller, ideal for more delicate corks. Once opened, immediately smell the neck of the bottle to check for any defects or abnormal odors.
4. Inspection and initial tasting
Pour a small amount of wine into a clean, transparent glass. Observe the color, which should show amber tones and golden reflections, typical of Marsala Vergine. Lightly smell to catch the first aromatic notes and taste a small sip to ensure the wine has no alterations. This initial tasting will also help assess whether decanting is necessary.
5. Decanting and oxygenation
For a wine with over ten years of aging like Marsala Vergine Riserva DOC 2011 - Florio, decanting is recommended. Gently pour the content into a decanting carafe, avoiding dragging any sediment. Allow to oxygenate for approximately 20-30 minutes in a temperature-controlled environment. This step will help the wine open up, fully releasing its notes of dried fruit, spices, and fine woods.
6. Serving
Marsala Vergine Riserva DOC 2011 - Florio should be served in large, tulip-shaped glasses or oxidative wine glasses, to favor the perception of its complex aromas. Fill the glasses up to one third of their capacity to allow proper oxygenation. Pair this wine with blue cheeses, dried fruit, or as a meditation wine at the end of a meal.
7. Storage after opening
Once opened, a bottle of Marsala Vergine Riserva DOC 2011 - Florio can be stored for several weeks thanks to its high alcohol content and the wine's stability. After each serving:
- Recork the bottle with the original cork or a stopper designed for fortified wine.
- Store it in a cool place away from direct light.
- Avoid temperature fluctuations and long periods of exposure to air.
By following these instructions, you can continue to enjoy all the qualities of this extraordinary Sicilian wine even in the days following opening.
