Masters of Marsala

Masters of Marsala

As one of the great historic fortified styles – indeed one with major links to the UK – as well as one of fine wine’s greatest value gems, we’re always surprised by how much Marsala seems to fly under the British radar.

But if there’s a producer who can change that, it’s unquestionably Pellegrino.

Founded as a pure Marsala house in 1880, Marsala remains very much the Pellegrino heartbeat today. Almost unbelievably there are a bewildering 27 different styles of Marsala, but Pellegrino choose to focus on the three most premium, whilst producing an outstanding range of wines within their parameters.

From long-aged examples of the driest style – Vergine Riserva – intense with spice, dried fruit and balsamic notes, to the sweeter and richly-fruited Marsala Superiore and even outstanding and extremely rare single barrels, there’s a world of flavour here to explore.

Pellegrino are quick to emphasise the versatility and gastronomic potential of their Marsala. Drinking from a broad-bowled wine glass is key – rather than the sorts of smaller glasses often associated with fortified wines in the UK. A light chill is also important, rather than serving them too warm. Served like this they can be beautiful accompaniments not only to an array of both sweet and savoury Italian dishes, but are a rare example of a wine that pairs beautifully with spicier cuisines such as Thai and various regions of India and China.

Simply put, these wines are amongst the best value in the fortified category – indeed in wine full stop. Their potential on restaurant wine lists is enormous and the quality has never been higher. In the hands of Marsala maestros like Pellegrino, this historic style is once again worthy of its place in the limelight.