Marsala Superiore “BIP Benjamin” Riserva DOC 2014 oro dolce

Carlo Pellegrino | Sicily
Carlo Pellegrino & C. S.p.A. | Via Del Fante 39 | IT 91025 Marsala

35000048 · 0,75 l · 28,00 €/lavailable immediately

Three letters, a whole story: BIP stands for ‘Benjamin Ingham Palermo’. The Englishman arrived in Sicily in 1806 – not as a tourist, but as a visionary entrepreneur. He followed in the footsteps of John Woodhouse, but far surpassed him: Ingham built a trading empire that shipped Marsala all over the world and left a lasting mark on the city. To this day, Pellegrino preserves his archive – 110 volumes of Sicilian economic history. Pellegrino dedicates its elegant Oro-Riserva to this man. Grillo, Catarratto and Inzolia, grown on sandy coastal soils between Marsala and Petrosino. Fermentation is halted using an acquavite that has been aged in oak for at least five years – a detail that adds layer upon layer of depth. Then: more than 48 months in large oak casks, followed by a further six months in barriques. The 2013 vintage is a wine that has clearly benefited from the passage of time.

In the glass, an intense golden colour with amber highlights. The nose is ethereal and complex – melon, honey, medlar and a hint of dried apricot. On the palate, it is sweet and creamy, with a long final evokes poached pears and ripe fruit. Perfect with cannoli, cassata – or simply for that moment when you realise why Ingham never wanted to return to England. SUPERIORE.DE

"This is a very fruity, sweet Marsala. Despite its sweetness, it remains well-balanced. Aromas of stone fruit, mint and apricot lead into an intense and ripe flavour that is slightly smoky and displays plenty of freshness. Rich fruit notes and spices take centre stage." Decanter