Italy - Sicily Flashcards
What strait separates Calbria from Sicily?
Messina
Which side of Sicily is Marsala located on?
The Western edge
Who first discovered the wines of Marsala?
Englishman John Woodhouse in 1773 who first fortified the wine to ensure safe shipment to his home country
What are the 3 styles of Marsala
Marsala Oro
Marsala Ambra
Marsala Rubino
What are the permitted grape varieties for Marsala Rubina?
Perricone
Calabrese (Nero d’Avola)
Nerello Mascalese
plus a max. 30% white grapes
What are the permitted grape varieties for Marsala Oro and Ambra?
Grillo
Ansonica (Inzolia)
Catarratto
Damaschino
What are the ageing requirements for Marsala labelled as fine?
Min. 1 year in oak or cherry wood (first 4 months may be in alternative containers)
What are the ageing requirements for Marsala labelled as Superiore?
Min. 2 years in oak or cherry wood
What are the ageing requirements for Marsala labelled as Superiore Riserva?
4 years in oak or cherry wood
What are the ageing requirements for Marsala labelled as Vergine/Solera?
Min. 5 years in oak or cherry wood
What are the ageing requirements for Marsala labelled as Riserva/Solera Riserva/Vergine and Solera Stravecchio?
Min. 10 years in oak or cherry wood
What does Vecchio mean on a label of Marsala?
the wine has met the minimum requirements for Marsala Superiore
What does IP mean on a label of Marsala?
Italy Particular
What does SOM mean on a label of Marsala?
Superior old Marsala. Generally drier
What does GD mean on a label of Marsala?
“Garibaldi Dolce”, a reference to a 19th-century general
Generally a sweeter style
What does LP mean on a label of Marsala?
London Particular historically meant a higher content of spirits