Ferracane Muffato 18

Muffato was born almost by accident: in 2013, an abundant Catarratto harvest left Fabio Ferracane with surplus juice, which he put into a barrel and then, in his own words, half-forgot for several years. The ullaged barrel developed flor and noble mould (muffa) as natural protection, turning what could have been vinegar into a Marsala-style oxidative wine of real depth. Made on the model of Jura vin jaune but with the salty, sun-baked character of Marsala. Almond, candied citrus and vanilla on the nose; warm, dry and savoury on the palate.

• Region: Terre Siciliane IGP, Marsala area, Sicily, Italy
• Grapes: Catarratto
• Vintage: 2013 base, bottled years later
• ABV: 13.5%
• Style: Orange / Oxidative white

Goes well with: Blue cheeses, aged cheeses, as a meditation wine.