Marsala

Question 1

What are the permitted grapes for Ambra / Oro Marsala?

Answer 1

Grillo

Ansonica (Inzolia)

Catarratto

Damaschino

Question 2

What are the permitted grapes for Rubino Marsala?

Answer 2

Perricone

Calabrese (Nero d’Avola)

Nerello Mascalese

plus a max. 30% white grapes

Question 3

What is Concia?

Answer 3

The addition of Mosto Cotto - “Cooked Must”

Lower quality and only permitted in Ambra styles

Question 4

What are the sweetness levels in Marsala?

Answer 4

secco - max. 40 g/L

semisecco - 40 to 100 g/l

dolce - min. 100 g/l

Question 5

What are the age designations in Marsala DOC?

Answer 5

one year for Fine

two years for Superiore

four years for Superiore Riserva

five years for Vergine

ten years for Vergine Stravecchio

Solera versions also exist, and must spend at least five years in the solera prior to bottling

Question 6

Does Vintage Marsala exist?

Answer 6

Vintage Marsala does exist and the vintage refers to the year of fortification.

Question 7

What is Vecchio Samperi?

Answer 7

Vergine-level wine made by Marco de Bartoli. Released as Vino da Tavola since he doesn’t fortify it

Question 8

What are the minimum alcohol requierements for Marsala DOC?

Answer 8

Minimum Alcohol: 12% (natural)

Fine: 17% (after fortification)

Superiore, Vergine, Solera, and Riserva styles: 18% (after fortification)