Marco De Bartoli Marsala Vergine Riserva 1988 DOC

This is a Marsala Vergine Riserva from Marco De Bartoli, made from the 1988 harvest. It is a single-variety wine from grillo grown on flat, calcareous and sandy vineyards in Sicily. The grapes ferment in traditional oak casks, and the wine is fortified only with grape spirit distilled from the same vintage. It then aged for 27 years in chestnut and oak casks of different sizes. In the glass it is a brilliant straw yellow with golden flashes. The nose moves from mineral touches to white-fleshed fruit and balsamic notes, and the palate is broad, fine, savoury and fresh. The finish is exceptionally persistent. It suits blue cheeses or dry pastries at the end of a meal, or can be sipped alone.