2024 Author: Jasmine Walkman | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 08:29
Marsala is a fortified liqueur wine. It is prepared in the area of the Sicilian cities of Marsala and Trapani. The fruits of local vineyards are used in its production. These are usually white grapes. Marsala is compared to port, which is also a liqueur wine. Like it, it is widely used in cooking and more precisely in the preparation of confectionery. It is preferred because it gives a delicate but very delicate aroma to culinary temptations.
History of Marsala
Marsala is a wine that is traditional for the island of Sicily (Italy). In fact, it is the most popular local grape elixir. Its origins are associated with the distant eighteenth century. The marsala is believed to be related to the English merchant John Woodhouse.
At this time he arrives in the port city of Marsala and gets acquainted with the local wine, which is left to mature in oak barrels. It reminded him a lot of Spanish and Portuguese fortified wines, which were popular in England at the time. Indeed, wine was very well received in the merchant's homeland. He later returned to Sicily and began to spread the wine widely.
Marsala production
Marsala is a wine with impressive qualities, which are due in part to the technology of wine production. During production we have fermentation, which proceeds as with other wines.
What is specific, however, is that a certain amount of grapes is set aside for the preparation of a sweetening agent, which winemakers call cotto or mistella. Mistela occurs when dried grapes are combined with wine alcohol. Which is obtained when the grains are heat treated. The final product is a thick syrup.
Characteristics of marsala
Marsala is a wine that must be fortified with alcohol. Thus, the alcohol content reaches 17 to 20 percent. The sugar content can amount to 1.5 to 7 percent. The first thing that will attract you is the characteristic dark and saturated brownish-red color of marsala. The aroma that this alcoholic beverage emits is captivating to say the least.
The aromas that will captivate you are reminiscent of vanilla, brown sugar, smoked apricots, tamarind. Some wines have notes associated with walnuts, honey, tobacco, herbs, apples, cherries and more. The taste of the wine is also unique. Experts believe that it resembles a sophisticated sherry. Left to mature, it acquires an even clearer profile, capable of surprising even the most experienced palate.
Types of marsala
There are different varieties marsala. They differ mostly in the time they age. A category called Fine is known. The wines that fall here are left to mature for at least a year. A category known as Superiore is also known. It includes wines that have matured for at least two years.
If the wine has matured for four years, it belongs to the Superiore Riserva category. If the marsala has matured for five years, there is a category of Vergine or Soleras. If we have matured for at least a decade, the wine belongs to the Soleras Riserva category.
Storage of marsala
Marsala should be stored in a cool, dark place. Cellars, basements and cold storage are preferable. Under no circumstances store wine in the refrigerator, as this will harm it. It should also be known that once opened, the wine begins to lose its aromatic qualities. Therefore, it is not recommended to consume a bottle for a long time. Wine from an open bottle can retain its freshness for about a month.
Serving marsala
The serving of marsala is a real event. However, the wine must be chilled before serving. The temperature of the wine depends mostly on which qualities of the drink you want to emphasize more.
For example, if you want to emphasize the sweet taste of the elixir and its rich aroma, you need to maintain its temperature between 15 and 18 degrees. If you want to expand the freshness of the drink, you can afford lower temperatures - from 10 to 14 degrees.
As we know, when serving a rich wine with impressive characteristics, it is very important what we combine it on the table. One of the advantages of marsala is that it can be combined with some difficult to combine foods such as asparagus and Brussels sprouts.
Don't worry about harmonizing the taste of the wine with dishes like Asparagus with cream or Brussels sprouts with butter. Some cheeses are an appetizing addition to wine. Lovers of these dairy products combine the Sicilian grape elixir with Parmesan, gorgonzola, Roquefort and others.
Cooking with marsala
Marsala is among the wines that are widely used in cooking. The drink is most often used in Italian cuisine. Marsala specialties can be found in many Italian restaurants in the United States. The wine is used to flavor a variety of vegetable dishes and meat dishes of chicken, beef and beef.
Marsala sauce with mushrooms and herbs is used to flavor spaghetti, pasta and risotto. Wine is especially popular in the preparation of iconic cakes such as tiramisu. It is also used in recipes for cakes, cakes, cupcakes, biscuits and other desserts. Marsala is also a preferred product for mixing cocktails.
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