Curatolo Arini, Marsala Superiore Dolce NV
Country: Italy Region: Sicily
Varietal: Fortified
Vintage: NV Category: Marsala Colour: Marsala
Producer: Curatolo Arini
"Established in 1875 by Vito Curatolo Arini, the winery is now run by the fifth generation of Curatolos, making it the oldest family-owned Marsala producer.
The 'Coralto' Nero d'Avola is modern and fruit-driven. The single vineyard Zibibbo is dry and aromatic in style and is best matched with food. Alberto Antonini's influence is evident in the wines, combining the richness that Sicily can easily provide with the freshness only someone with Alberto's experience can retain.
The Zibibbo is grown in vineyards in the western part of Sicily, just inland from Marsala. The Nero d'Avola grapes come from vineyards in central Sicily, in the province of Caltanissetta. The vineyards here are 500 metres above sea level, where the combination of warm days and cool nights helps produce premium red wines. Thanks to the favourable climate in Sicily, consistency in quality can be guaranteed from vintage to vintage.
The Marsala, still made in the traditional way, are the real deal and make a great alternative to Sherry. The stunning art deco label was designed by Ernesto Basile, a famous Palermo architect in the latter part of the 19th century. Their Marsala Superiore uses base wines made from the native Sicilian grapes Grillo, Inzolia and Catarratto. These are subsequently fortified with white grape spirit and aged for five years in cask for the Superiore and up to 10 years for the Riserva. The result is a rich but dry, aromatic and heady wine."
Product Features: Vegan;Vegetarian
Winemaker: Claudio Giacalone
Vinification:
"Temperature controlled slow fermentation at 20-25°C. The base wine is 12% in alcohol and has a minimum residual sugar level of 20 grams per litre. Alcohol, mistella (fresh grape must with added alcohol) and mosto cotto (concentrated fresh grape must which is traditionally ""cooked"" until it reduces to a third of its initial volume) are then added to the base wine, giving it a final alcohol content of 17%, the desired sugar level and the traditional flavour.
The wine is then aged for over five years (minimum two years by law) in 150 hectolitre Slovenian oak casks."
Tasting Notes:
Dark amber in colour, with aromas of dried figs, sultanas and caramel. This wine is round and soft on the palate with fresh notes of dried fruit, nuts and honeysuckle with a pleasant, sweet and clean finish.
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Closure: Natural Cork ABV: 17% Classification: DOC Acidity [g/l]: 4.4
