Marco De Bartoli Marsala Superiore Oro Riserva DOC 1988 - 500mL
The 1988 Marsala Superiore Oro Riserva is a dark amber color with orange hues. It opens with a spice-box bouquet that takes all the confections of Autumn and Christmas blended with dried apricots, peaches and cedar shavings. It's silky smooth yet lifted and decidedly savory, with a burst of ground ginger and sour citrus complicating its remnants of tart orchard fruit. Butterscotch comes together with clove and golden raisin as the 1988 finishes impossibly long and potent. It shows just a touch of forgivable heat as suggestions of hazelnut linger on and on. More like a brown spirit than a wine, the 1988 is irresistible. - Eric Guido, Vinous
Grape: 100% Grillo; ages over 20 years in oak vats of different sizes before release
Ageing potential: Unlimited
Serving temperature and food pairing: Serve at room temperature or slightly chilled 14-16 °C. Pairs perfectly with all sorts of dessert and cheese dishes or by itself to finish a meal.
The 1988 Marsala Superiore Oro Riserva is a dark amber color with orange hues. It opens with a spice-box bouquet that takes all the confections of Autumn and Christmas blended with dried apricots, peaches and cedar shavings. It's silky smooth yet lifted and decidedly savory, with a burst of ground ginger and sour citrus complicating its remnants of tart orchard fruit. Butterscotch comes together with clove and golden raisin as the 1988 finishes impossibly long and potent. It shows just a touch of forgivable heat as suggestions of hazelnut linger on and on. More like a brown spirit than a wine, the 1988 is irresistible. - Eric Guido, Vinous
Grape: 100% Grillo; ages over 20 years in oak vats of different sizes before release
Ageing potential: Unlimited
Serving temperature and food pairing: Serve at room temperature or slightly chilled 14-16 °C. Pairs perfectly with all sorts of dessert and cheese dishes or by itself to finish a meal.
The 1988 Marsala Superiore Oro Riserva is a dark amber color with orange hues. It opens with a spice-box bouquet that takes all the confections of Autumn and Christmas blended with dried apricots, peaches and cedar shavings. It's silky smooth yet lifted and decidedly savory, with a burst of ground ginger and sour citrus complicating its remnants of tart orchard fruit. Butterscotch comes together with clove and golden raisin as the 1988 finishes impossibly long and potent. It shows just a touch of forgivable heat as suggestions of hazelnut linger on and on. More like a brown spirit than a wine, the 1988 is irresistible. - Eric Guido, Vinous
Grape: 100% Grillo; ages over 20 years in oak vats of different sizes before release
Ageing potential: Unlimited
Serving temperature and food pairing: Serve at room temperature or slightly chilled 14-16 °C. Pairs perfectly with all sorts of dessert and cheese dishes or by itself to finish a meal.
Marco de Bartoli worked for the large Marsala firm Cantine Pellegrino before taking over his mother’s estate in 1980. He is credited with single-handedly restoring the image of Marsala both within Italy and more recently internationally through his dedication to producing a ‘real’ Marsala of highest quality and concentration. He passed away in 2011 and his sons now run the business, which has expanded to include vineyards on the island of Pantelleria.