Pellegrino 1880 Marsala Vergine Riserva del Centenario DOP

This is a Marsala Vergine Riserva del Centenario from the Pellegrino house in Marsala, Sicily, made under the Marsala DOP. It is a fortified wine of dark amber colour with old-gold glints. The wine is aged in oak casks for long periods, which can run beyond 20 years, building aromatic depth. Its character suits slow sipping, or aged cheeses, dark chocolate and duck liver dishes. The nose offers dried figs and prunes with vanilla, tobacco, caramel and nutmeg. The palate is enveloping, balancing alcoholic warmth with a tangy freshness, and the persistent finish carries bitter almond and a light touch of oak.