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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Avennia Sestina Cabernet Sauvignon is made from 77% Cabernet Sauvignon, 17% Merlot, 6% Cabernet Franc.
The story of this wine - The Sestina is an ancient form of poetry from Medieval France. Just as a modern poet can fill this form with new expressions, Avennia uses the traditional Bordeaux blend to express Washington. Sestina is their vision for an old vine, complex blend where all of the components complement each other. This wine is designed for the cellar, so the emphasis is on structure, balance, and complexity.
Winemaker Tasting Notes - “Good deep ruby/garnet color, with aromas of black cherry, fresh black currant, dark mocha, cigar box, and graphite. The palate is lively and dense with mountain berries, mocha, vanilla honey, damp earth, and wildflowers. The finish shows a distinct chalky minerality and beautiful tension. This is a classically balanced and ageworthy Sestina. Drink 2025-2040.” - Chris Peterson, Winemaker
Review:
"The Cabernet Sauvignon-dominated release from Peterson, the 2017 Sestina comes from the Red Willow, Bacchus, and Dionysus vineyards. Rocking levels of crème de cassis, sappy herbs, violets, and cedar pencil all flow to a full-bodied, incredibly pure, polished 2017 that offers flawless balance, ripe tannins, and a great, great finish. It's more approachable than normal yet is still going to evolve for 15 to 20 years. The blend is 77% Cabernet Sauvignon, 17% Merlot, and the rest Cabernet Franc, all raised 20 months in 50% new French oak."
- Jeb Dunnuck (April 2020), 95 pts
Riebeek Pinotage is made from 100 percent Pinotage.
The color is an attractive bright, ruby red with a purple rim, typical of a young Pinotage. The flavors of this unique South African cultivar are complex and exciting with ripe plum and fruitcake all beautifully integrated and then finished with subtle oak for a lingering aftertaste.
Lovely with rare beef, barbequed lamb and casseroles. This versatile lighter style of Pinotage is also a lovely combination with spicy chicken.