Although it won't go bad if you keep it in the cupboard longer than six months after opening, it will start to lose its flavor and fragrance. ĭue to the fortifying process, Marsala wine lasts 4-6 months after opening. If the winemaker adds the spirits after fermentation has finished, the result will be a drier wine with lower sugar content. If the wine is fortified before fermentation is complete, there will be more residual sugar, thus producing a sweeter wine. Depending on whether the winemaker wants a sweet or dry Marsala wine, the fermentation process will be disrupted for fortifying (i.e., adding the brandy). How Is Marsala Wine Made?Īs with all winemaking, the fermenting begins once the grapes are harvested and crushed. Read the wine label to ensure the bottle you buy has the proper designation and actually comes from Sicily. That said, it's worth noting that some wines going by the Marsala moniker (especially the cheaper versions available at local grocery stores) are not real Marsala wines. The Italian government's Denominazione di Origine Controllata (DOC) regulates the use of the term "Marsala" to wine (and products) that are produced in the Marsala region. This high ABV is just one reason why Marsala is most often served in small portions. Since there is such a range of Marsala styles, the flavors can range from brown sugar and nuts to more complex and pronounced notes of honey, dried fruit, and licorice.īecause it's fortified, Marsala has a higher alcohol content compared to the average glass of wine - it's typically 15-20% ABV as opposed to 12% alcohol, which is the standard in the United States. Unlike other types of wine, Marsala is classified (and priced) based on color and how long it’s aged. It's increasingly common to see it served as an aperitif to whet the appetite or as a delicious digestif to sip after a meal. Marsala wine is made with local white grape varietals including Grillo, Inzolia, Catarratto, and Damaschino (although it can also be blended with red grapes.) As with all fortified wine, Marsala is supplemented with a distilled spirit - in this case, it's usually brandy.ĭespite its popularity as a dry and semi-dry cooking wine, a high-quality Marsala can also be an excellent sweet wine. Marsala wine is a fortified wine produced near the town of Marsala on the island of Sicily, Italy. In this guide, we'll share details about this enduringly popular Italian wine, including how and where it's made, the different varieties it comes in, and the best ways to enjoy it. This creamy classic of pan-fried chicken and mushrooms bathed in a rich savory-sweet Marsala sauce has long been an Italian favorite in restaurants around the world.īut while Marsala wine is a go-to cooking wine, it's much more than just a splash in the pan. While you may never have had a glass of Marsala wine, there's a good chance you've enjoyed a dish of chicken Marsala.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |