Marsala and Madeira

Question 1

What are the white grapes of Marsala? Whst styles are produced from white grapes?

Answer 1

Grillo, Catarratto, Inzolia, Damaschino

Grillo and Inzolia are preferred—Catarratto and Damaschino are high-yielding grapes of less interest.

Ambra and Oro styles produced from white grapes.

Question 2

What 2 agents adjust the door and sweetness of Marsala?

Answer 2

Mosto Cotto or Sifone

Mosto Cotto (cooked must) or

Sifone, a mistelle produced by fortifying the unfermented must of overripe grapes.

Question 3

What are the red grapes of Marsala and what style do they produce?

Answer 3

Perricone, Calabrese (Nero d’Avola), and Nerello Mascalese are used to produce the Rubino style.

White grapes may comprise a maximum 30% of Rubino production.

Question 4

The three colors of Marsala DOC production will also have their sugar content defined on the label–what are they?

Answer 4

Secco, Semisecco, Dolce

Secco-40 g/l
Semisecco–40-100 g/l
Dolce–min 100 g/l

Question 5

Marsala is further classified by the time it spends in a cask: what are these classifications? What is special about the Vergines?

Answer 5

Fine- one year
Superiore– 2 years
Superiore Riserva –4 years

Vergine— 5 years
Verging Stravecchio– min 10 years

The Vergines is fortified after fermentation and the style does not permit Mosto Cotto or Sifone. It must be Secco in style.

Question 6

Who is the most famous producer of Marsala?

Answer 6

Marco de Bortali

Question 7

The three colors of Marsala DOC? What color grapes are used for each?

Answer 7

Ambra, Oro (golden), Rubino

White grapes are used for Ambro and Oro; red grapes are used for Rubino.