Marsala blend is one of the most popular and famous types of fortified wine in Italy. The wine is named after the city of Marsala, which sat on the shores of ancient Sicily. Marsala blend fortified wines have a higher alcohol content compared with Madeira or Sherry fortified wines. Marsala wine is used in cooking and is also available both sweet and dry. The British discovered the Marsala blend while in the region during the 1800s. Like their discovery for Port wine in Portugal, the British noted that the winemaking strategy included adding grape brandy to regular wines. The method allowed the wine to sit through long voyages without spoiling. Since the Marsala blend is made from a variety of native white grapes, these grapes give the wine a signature taste and color. Marsala blend wine typically uses the Catarratto , Inzolia, or Grillo grape varieties. The fermentation process of Marsala blend wine is stopped with grape brandy when the winemaker determines the level of sweetness. The color, alcohol content, taste and style of the wine, and the age allow for classification of Marsala wine. These wines vary from amber to gold colors to ruby colored wines, depending on the grapes used in the process.
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All older vintage wines have been purchased from a single collectors cellar. Pictures can be requested before shipment.
Avennia Arnaut Syrah is made of 100% Syrah
For our taste, no one grows finer Syrah in the state than Dick Boushey. We named this wine after the Provencal Troubadour Arnaut Daniel, who invented the Sestina poem form, thus creating a connection between our two flagship efforts.
"Deep, dark Syrah notes on the nose, with dark blackberry, blueberry reduction, grilled meat, crushed olive, black licorice, camphor, pen ink, and cracked black pepper. The palate is super concentrated and dense, tightly focused, and deeply complex. Savory blueberry, pan drippings, a hint of orange essence, and hand-rubbed sage come through on the extremely long and nuanced finish. A compelling wine that will age for a couple decades at least." - Chris Peterson, Winemaker
We make this wine with minimal manipulation, using native yeasts and bottling unfined and unfiltered, to allow the "place" to shine through.
AVA: Yakima Valley
Blend: 100% Boushey Vineyard Syrah
Winemaking: 15% whole cluster, native yeast, 15% new French oak, aged 16 months, bottled unfined & unfiltered.
Review:
Dick Boushey is the high priest of Syrah growers in Washington state for a reason, and it's all on display here at the deft hand of winemaker Chris Peterson. Dried lavender florals and notes of thyme, anise and wild oregano dance around alpine mountain berries and juniper. The palate shows notes of chicory root spice, smoky clove, and salted blood orange vibrance, lifts the mid-palate and finishes with mouthfuls of blueberries, thyme and black tea.
-Decanter 95 Points