How to Drink Marsala
Marsala is a fortified wine (that means they add high strength alcohol to it) originating in Sicily. Most people think of it as a cooking wine, however, Marsala is so much more than that! Ranging from bone dry to sweet, it comes in a range of colors, styles, and quality levels.
Wine Quiz
Question: Which of the following best describes Marsala?
- A dry white wine from Burgundy with peach and vanilla flavors.
- A fortified wine from Sicily that can be dry or sweet with caramel and dried fruit aromas.
- A fortified wine from Portugal that is only used for cooking and has red cherry flavors.
- A sweet red wine from Sicily that has low levels of alcohol and tobacco flavors.
Scroll down for the answer!
Italian Wine 201 Course
The Unsung Hero of Sicily
Grillo is one of the main grapes used to make Marsala, and is one of the most planted varieties in Sicily. It is also used to make dry, crisp white wines with aromas of citrus, green apples, and herbs. If you’re looking for an alternative to Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, check out Grillo.
Italy’s Flavor Capital
Now that you know a bit about Marsala, it’s time to explore the rest of Sicily. Not only is it the Mediterranean’s largest island, it’s also the largest grape growing area in all of Italy. And though often overlooked, it produces some of Italy’s finest wines.
Wine Quiz Answer
Answer – #2: A fortified wine from Sicily that can be dry or sweet with caramel and dried fruit aromas.
Marsala comes in a wide range of styles from dry (secco) to sweet (dolce) and a range of qualities. There’s everything from wines that are great for cooking and those that are strictly best for sipping and appreciating. Look for Vergine to find some of the finest examples.