Barraco Altogrado 15

Altogrado is Nino Barraco's homage to the unfortified, 'pre-British' style of Marsala that existed before merchants like Woodhouse industrialised and fortified the wine for export. Made from late-harvested Catarratto (as stated on the label), vinified oxidatively under a flor yeast veil, slowly evaporating in a partially-filled chestnut barrel - the traditional 'perpetuum' method local farmers used before the 18th century. Tonic and spiced, with intense dried fruit, candied citrus and a characteristic bitter finish. 500ml bottle.

• Region: Terre Siciliane IGT, Marsala, Sicily, Italy
• Grapes: Catarratto
• Vintage: 2015
• Style: White - Oxidative / Pre-British Marsala style

Goes well with: Aged cheeses, dried fruit and nuts, as a contemplative sipping wine.