Best Province of Trapani Fortified Wine Types
An Englishman John Woodhouse discovered this fortified Sicilian wine and started producing it on a larger scale in 1796. Because of its instant popularity, the quality of Marsala wines began to deteriorate, but in 1984, stricter regulations of production have been implemented, which eventually had an impact on the better quality of Marsala.
The unique taste of the wine comes from the traditional winemaking method and the use of only Sicilian indigenous grapes, predominately Grillo, but Inzolia, Catarrato, or Damaschino can also be used. The wine comes in three styles: secco (dry), semisecco (semi-dry), and dolce (sweet), while its flavor is typically reminiscent of cherries, apples, dried fruits, as well as soft vanilla, honey, and licorice.
Marsala Vergine Riserva Ambra is a high-quality, aged dry Marsala wine from Sicily, Italy, classified as "Vergine", meaning it is made using only grape must and alcohol, with no added sweeteners or caramelized must. The "Ambra" (Amber) designation refers to its deep amber color, which results from the use of white grape varieties such as Grillo, Catarratto, and Inzolia, combined with the natural oxidation process during aging.
Aged for at least 10 years in oak barrels (Riserva), it develops rich, nutty, and oxidative flavors, featuring notes of dried fruit, caramel, toasted almonds, honey, and vanilla, with a long, elegant finish. With an alcohol content of 18-20%, it is best enjoyed slightly chilled as an aperitif or paired with aged cheeses, foie gras, roasted nuts, and savory dishes with earthy flavors.
Marsala Vergine Riserva Rubino is a high-quality, aged dry Marsala wine from Sicily, Italy, classified as "Vergine", meaning it is made using only grape must and alcohol, with no added sweeteners or caramelized must. The "Rubino" (Ruby) designation refers to its deep red color, which comes from using red grape varieties such as Perricone, Nero d’Avola, and Nerello Mascalese.
Aged for at least 10 years in oak barrels (Riserva), it develops a complex, dry, and elegant profile, featuring notes of red berries, plums, spices, tobacco, and oak, with a slightly tannic structure. With an alcohol content of 18-20%, it is best enjoyed at room temperature or slightly chilled, pairing well with cured meats, aged cheeses, game dishes, and dark chocolate.
Marsala Vergine Riserva Oro is a high-quality, aged dry Marsala wine from Sicily, Italy, classified as "Vergine", meaning it is made using only grape must and alcohol, without added sweeteners or cooked must. The "Oro" (Gold) designation refers to its golden hue, derived from white grape varieties such as Grillo, Catarratto, and Inzolia.
Aged for at least 10 years in oak barrels, it develops a rich, oxidative profile with notes of almonds, honey, vanilla, dried fruits, and oak, while maintaining a dry (Secco) style with no added sugar. With an alcohol content of 18-20%, it is best enjoyed slightly chilled as an aperitif with nuts, olives, and aged cheeses, or paired with grilled seafood and mild cheeses like Pecorino.
Marsala Vergine Rubino is a dry, ruby-colored Marsala wine from Sicily, Italy, made primarily from red grape varieties such as Perricone, Nero d'Avola, and Nerello Mascalese. Unlike the more common Oro (gold) and Ambra (amber) Marsala, Rubino retains a deep red hue and a distinctive fruity yet dry profile.
As a Vergine Marsala, it is aged for at least five years in oak barrels using the solera system, without added sweeteners or caramelized must. It offers complex aromas of red berries, dried fruits, spices, and toasted nuts, making it perfect as an aperitif, a pairing for cured meats, aged cheeses, and dark chocolate, or an ingredient in gourmet recipes.
Marsala Vergine Ambra is a high-quality dry Marsala wine from Sicily, Italy, known for its amber ("Ambra") color and refined taste. It belongs to the Vergine category, meaning it is aged naturally for at least five years in oak barrels using the solera system, without the addition of sweeteners or caramelized must.
Made from white grape varieties like Grillo, Catarratto, and Inzolia, it develops complex aromas of dried fruits, toasted nuts, vanilla, and light spice, with a dry, elegant finish. Often enjoyed as an aperitif, it also pairs well with aged cheeses, nuts, and seafood dishes, and is used in gourmet cooking for sauces and braised meats.
Marsala Superiore Riserva Rubino is a fortified wine from Sicily, Italy, classified as Superiore Riserva, meaning it has been aged for at least four years in wooden casks. "Rubino," meaning ruby, refers to its deep red color, which comes from the use of red grape varieties such as Perricone, Nero d’Avola, and Nerello Mascalese.
Unlike Marsala Ambra and Oro, it does not contain cooked grape must (mosto cotto), preserving its vibrant ruby hue and fresher fruit notes. This wine has a rich, elegant flavor profile, with notes of red berries, plums, spices, and hints of chocolate or tobacco.
Marsala Superiore Riserva Ambra is a fortified wine from Sicily, Italy, classified as Superiore Riserva, meaning it has been aged for at least four years in wooden casks. "Ambra," meaning amber, refers to its deep amber color, which is achieved by the addition of cooked grape must (mosto cotto) during production.
Made from white grape varieties such as Grillo, Catarratto, and Inzolia, it has a rich, complex flavor with notes of caramel, dried fruit, toasted nuts, honey, and spices. Available in dry (secco), semi-dry (semisecco), and sweet (dolce) styles, it is perfect for pairing with aged cheeses, pastries, and nut-based desserts, or enjoyed as a meditation wine.
Marsala Superiore Riserva Oro is a fortified wine from Sicily, Italy, classified as Superiore Riserva, meaning it has been aged for at least four years in wooden casks. "Oro," meaning gold, refers to its golden color, achieved by using white grape varieties such as Grillo, Catarratto, and Inzolia.
Due to the extended aging, it develops a richer, more complex flavor profile with notes of dried fruit, vanilla, honey, toasted almonds, and spices. Available in dry (secco), semi-dry (semisecco), and sweet (dolce) styles, it is enjoyed as an aperitif or paired with aged cheeses, pastries, and rich dishes.
Best Province of Trapani Fortified Wine Producers
Best Province of Trapani Fortified Wines
AWARDS

Decanter World Wine Awards - Platinum
2024
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