Marsala Superiore Riserva Semisecco 'Donna Franca' Florio - 50cl

Florio's Marsala Semisecco "Donna Franca" is part of the history of this great Sicilian fortified wine, which is linked to a very special story. In 1773, English merchant John Woodhouse, on his way to Mazara del Vallo to conclude a business deal, is forced to land in Marsala because of a strong storm. At an inn, he discovers the wine of great occasions, Perpetuum. Woodhouse falls in love with it from the first sip and decides to export it to England; to preserve its quality during the voyage, he adds a little aquavit to the Perpetuum: thus was born the modern Marsala.

Semisecco Marsala Superiore Riserva Florio "Donna Franca" is a pure Grillo. The vineyards are located in the Marsala area, in the westernmost part of Sicily, where the soil is not very fertile but rich in silicon and red earth. The grapes are harvested by hand in an advanced state of ripeness in mid-September, then crushed and left in contact with the skins for 12 hours, then pressed. Fermentation takes place slowly until, in the spring, the concia, or cooked must, mistelle and wine distillate, is added. Maturation involves blending Marsalas aged 15 to 30 years in oak barrels and a final bottle ageing of at least 6 months.

Florio's Marsala Superiore Riserva "Donna Franca" immediately describes what lies ahead: its golden yellow colour with deep amber highlights declares its Marsala identity. The intense aromas it releases are warm and sunny, like apricot in syrup and dates, on an intriguing carpet of spices. In the mouth, it unravels along all its softness, still carrying with it the fruity scents with touches of vanilla. The Donna Franca Riserva is a great bottle, unrivalled, and has now become an icon of Sicily, of which it recounts the sun, sea and tradition. A warm and full-bodied wine, sweet and pleasant, it can be drunk alone or accompanied by dry pastries or blue cheeses.