Marsala Superiore “Vecchio Florio” (2018) - Cantine Florio

The “Vecchio Florio” is a historic label created in 1915. Ageing takes place in the historic Florio cellars, a few metres from the sea, in oak casks over 100 years old. The type is Superiore Secco, with residual sugar between 40–50 g/L and a higher alcohol level.

The appellation: Marsala Superiore DOC

Marsala Superiore DOC is one of the most historic and iconic wines of Italy, a symbol of Sicilian winemaking tradition and in particular of the town of Marsala, in the province of Trapani. It is a fortified wine, protected by the Denominazione di Origine Controllata (DOC) since 1969, with a precise classification based on colour, alcohol content, style and ageing. The term “Superiore” identifies a finer category of Marsala DOC, made from higher-quality musts and with a minimum ageing of 2 years, compared with “base” Marsala.

What to eat with Marsala Superiore “Vecchio Florio”

Who makes it: Cantine Florio

Founded in 1833 by Vincenzo Florio, Cantine Florio is a symbol of Sicilian wine and one of the most historic names in Marsala production. Based at Marsala, on the western coast of Sicily, the cellars are a unique cultural and productive heritage, where past and innovation live side by side in harmony. Over the decades Florio has become a benchmark for fortified wines, but also for a modern range that includes reds, whites and passito wines, always with a strong bond with the land.

The vine of Marsala Superiore “Vecchio Florio”

Catarratto

Catarratto is one of the oldest and most widely planted white grape varieties in Sicily, a symbol of the island's viticulture and a mainstay of the production of both still wines and Marsala DOC. It is a rustic, adaptable grape, able to express itself both in fresh, light versions and in structured, complex wines, above all when grown at altitude or vinified with care. There are two main biotypes: Catarratto Comune: more productive, widespread and neutral Catarratto Lucido: rarer and finer, with thin skins and more delicate aromas

Grillo

Grillo is a white grape variety indigenous to western Sicily, famous as one of the grapes traditionally used to produce Marsala DOC, but increasingly valued in dry versions as a single variety too. In recent decades it has gained new standing thanks to producers who have brought out its aromatic elegance, structure and ageing potential, making it one of the most representative and versatile Sicilian whites.

Marsala Superiore “Vecchio Florio”: the area

Climate: Mediterranean

Altitude: Low Altitude (0-200 m above sea level)

Soil: Limestone / chalk

Geographical setting: Sea

Profile of Marsala Superiore “Vecchio Florio”

Primary aromas: Nuts and dried fruit (almond, dried fig, dried apricot) and Notes of dried flowers

Secondary aromas: Caramel, candied orange peel and Sweet spices (cinnamon, nutmeg), toasted oak

Tertiary aromas: Rancio (noble oxidation), beeswax, blond tobacco, honey

Tasting notes: Vecchio Florio 2018 is a dry Marsala Superiore, complex and intense, combining Mediterranean warmth with elegance. On the palate it is enveloping, with freshness well integrated into the alcoholic softness. Notes of dried fruit, caramel, candied citrus and a spicy touch accompany the long finish. A gastronomic wine, for meditation or for a refined table.