Marsala Superiore “Old John” Riserva DOC 1998 ambra semisecco

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

35000033 · 0,75 l · 33,33 €/l · Price (DE) incl. VAT, excl. Shippingavailable immediately

The year is 1773 and a storm drives the English merchant ship "Elizabeth" into the harbour of Marsala. John Woodhouse, a merchant from Liverpool, seeks shelter – and finds a wine in an osteria that won't let him go. To stabilise it for the long journey home, he fortifies it with Acquavite. A makeshift solution that establishes the history of an entire wine. Pellegrino, the centrepiece of the Marsala tradition since 1880, has dedicated its own cuvée to this far-sighted Englishman. "Old John" – respect in two words. Grillo, Catarratto and Inzolia, harvested in the hinterland between Marsala and Mazara del Vallo, are fortified with neutral alcohol after fermentation has stopped and topped with mosto cotto – grape must – flavoured and slightly sweetened. Then comes the time: at least 48 months in large oak barrels and a further six months in barriques. The 1998 is a true Riserva – not a vintage for the impatient.

Bright amber colour in the glass. The nose is warm and complex: apricot, carob, a hint of thyme and black pepper, plus caramelised citrus peel and a fine nutty note from oxidative ageing. Soft and full on the palate, with a pleasant sweetness that is kept in balance by a fresh acidity. Long, spicy finish. With Sicilian ricotta pastries – or simply when the evening has time. SUPERIORE.DE

"Light amber; sea, ripe fruit, candied, caramelised orange peel, deep, beautiful nose; not too sweet, round, delicately bitter, dates, depth and extended length." Merum

"If you're not familiar with Marsala, this semi-dry wine is a good place to start. It's characterised by intense aromas of caramelised nuts, candied orange and dark chocolate and has a subtle hint of sweetness. The tannins in Marsala can make the aftertaste bitter, but here they really help to balance the sweetness." James Suckling

"Cantine Pellegrino is a historic producer that has been active since 1880 and owns over 150 hectares in various parts of Sicily and on the island of Pantelleria. This Marsala is light amber in colour. The bouquet is pleasant and fresh, with simple apricot notes, hints of carob and thyme. The wine is full, sweet with integrated alcohol, round and generous on the palate. It is made from Grillo, Inzolia and Catarratto and matures for 48 months in oak barrels and at least six months in barriques." Decanter