De Bartoli NV Vino Perpetuo Vecchio Samperi (Arrives 10/14)

This is the wine that changed the course of Marsala history, first released by Marco in 1980 made with 18th century practices. Key is the choice to use 100% Grillo, with more acidity and complexity than Catarratto. Next is the choice to not fortify, a practice brought by the British in 1773 to help the wine survive its sea voyage. The wine is made in a sherry-like solera system dubbed 'perpetuo' in this area. Lastly is the choice to make the wine with estate fruit and mark the label with the 'Samperi' contrada, emphasizing the marine fossil rich limestone's effect on the wine! The average age of the wine is 15 years old, and hits about 16% abv. Technically speaking, there is about 10 grams of residual sugar per liter, but the bright acidity renders the wine dry on the palate.