Marsala DOC is Italy's oldest DOC wine (since 1969), a fortified wine produced in the Marsala area of western Sicily. It was "discovered" in 1773 by English merchant John Woodhouse, who began exporting it to England as an alternative to Sherry.
Produced from Grillo, Catarratto, and Inzolia grapes, Marsala is fortified with the addition of cooked grape must or brandy and aged in oak barrels. The categories range from Fine (1 year) to Vergine Solera (over 10 years of aging).
Beyond being a meditation wine, Marsala is essential in the kitchen: in zabaione, in scaloppina al Marsala, in desserts, and in sauces.
