Curatolo Arini Marsala Superiore DOC Riserva Storica 1995

Type: Fortified Wine
Country: Italy
Region: Sicily
Grape Variety: 70% Grillo, 30% Catarratto
Alcohol Percentage: 18%
Viticulture: Organic Farming

Climate: Blessed with consistently bright sunshine and reliably moderate rainfall, Sicily’s classic Mediterranean climate is ideally suited to the production of wine grapes. The warm, dry climate means that mildews and rots are kept to a minimum, particularly in well-ventilated areas that benefit from coastal breezes
Terroir: Vineyards are located in the coastal area of Marsala
Ageing: Destemming, maceration and fermentation at a controlled temperature of 20-25C° in stainless steel vats for approximately 7 days with frequent racking and returning. When all the sugars are converted, skin maceration continues for another 7 days for optimal tannin extraction, very important for the ageing process. Fortification is done by adding alcohol up to 18% then follows Mistella and cooked must. Ageing in Slavonian casks, French and American barriques and tonneaux.

Color: Shiny with warm amber shades
Nose: Intense nose of orange peel, dried apricots, dates dried figs and spices
Palate: Full and enveloping, with a salty and long finish

About the Winery:
This estate is the oldest family-owned Marsala producer in Sicily today. It was founded in 1875 by Vito Curatolo Arini, who added Arini, his mother’s family name, in order to distinguish himself from the many other Curatolos living in his area. The estate has always been linked to high-quality Marsala production and in the late 1970s also started producing still wines from native grapes. The new range of wines under the Curatolo Arini label showcases a great expression of native Sicilian varieties. Light wines from local grapes Grillo, Inzolia, and Cataratto are fortified with white grape spirits in the traditional way and are then cask aged. Made in the traditional way, the Marsala Fine is dry in style and has all the characteristics of good Marsala with notes of toasted almonds, citrus and caramel.

Winemaker Alberto Antonini has also been recently named by Decanter Magazine as one of the ‘Top 5 winemakers in the world’.