PL Award 1: SILVER - IWC 2016  PL Award 2: SILVER - SWA 2013 Country: Italy  Region: Sicily Varietal:Fortified   Vintage: NV  Category: Marsala  Colour: MarsalaProducer: Curatolo Arini  "Established in 1875 by Vito Curatolo Arini, the winery is now run by the fifth generation of Curatolos, making it the oldest family-owned Marsala producer.The 'Coralto' Nero d'Avola is modern and fruit-driven. The single vineyard Zibibbo is dry and aromatic in style and is best matched with food. Alberto Antonini's influence is evident in the wines, combining the richness that Sicily can easily provide with the freshness only someone with Alberto's experience can retain.The Zibibbo is grown in vineyards in the western part of Sicily, just inland from Marsala. The Nero d'Avola grapes come from vineyards in central Sicily, in the province of Caltanissetta. The vineyards here are 500 metres above sea level, where the combination of warm days and cool nights helps produce premium red wines. Thanks to the favourable climate in Sicily, consistency in quality can be guaranteed from vintage to vintage.The Marsala, still made in the traditional way, are the real deal and make a great alternative to Sherry. The stunning art deco label was designed by Ernesto Basile, a famous Palermo architect in the latter part of the 19th century. Their Marsala Superiore uses base wines made from the native Sicilian grapes Grillo, Inzolia and Catarratto. These are subsequently fortified with white grape spirit and aged for five years in cask for the Superiore and up to 10 years for the Riserva. The result is a rich but dry, aromatic and heady wine."Product Features: Sustainable Winemaker: Alberto Antonini Vinification: Light wines from local grapes Grillo, Inzolia, and Cataratto are fortified with white grape spirit in the traditional way. The wines are then aged for about 10 years (the minimum legal requirement for 'Superiore' status is 4 years) in large Slovenian oak casks.Tasting Notes: The Marsala Riserva Superiore is richer, more concentrated and elegant than the Fine. It has notes of dates, sultanas and toasted almonds and a long, smooth finish..   Closure: Natural Cork  ABV: 18%   Acidity [g/l]: 4.6