{"title":"Pellegrino","description":null,"products":[{"product_id":"pellegrino-dry-marsala-750ml","title":"Pellegrino Dry Marsala","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePellegrino Dry Marsala\u003c\/strong\u003e is a Sicilian fortified wine bottled at 18% ABV (750ml) from one of Marsala's most established producers. Awarded 90 points by Wine Spectator, this dry expression stands as a benchmark for the Marsala Secco style, balancing toasted nut character with crisp minerality.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQuick Facts:\u003c\/strong\u003e ABV: 18%  |  Origin: Marsala, Sicily, Italy  |  Dry (Secco) Style, Minimum 1 Year Oak Aging  |  Distillery: Carlo Pellegrino \u0026amp; C. (est. 1880)\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eProduction \u0026amp; Heritage\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eCarlo Pellegrino \u0026amp; C. was founded in 1880 in the coastal city of Marsala on Sicily's western tip, where the DOC appellation has produced fortified wine since the late 18th century. The Dry Marsala is made from a blend of indigenous Grillo, Catarratto, and Inzolia grapes, then fortified and aged using the traditional \"in perpetuum\" process — Sicily's answer to the solera system — in which wine passes through multiple tiers of oak casks to build layered aromatic complexity. This method distinguishes Pellegrino's approach from single-cask aging, yielding a wine that carries the character of many vintages in a single bottle.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eTasting Notes\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAroma:\u003c\/strong\u003e Toasted almonds open the nose immediately, followed by dried apricots and a subtle herbaceous undertone. A faint iodine quality — a hallmark of coastal Marsala production — adds saline depth.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTaste:\u003c\/strong\u003e The entry is crisp and dry, with baked nut flavors arriving first on the palate. Mid-palate, dried fig and roasted almond notes emerge alongside a gentle minerality. The mouthfeel is medium-bodied and finely balanced, with a creamy texture that belies the wine's dry classification.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFinish:\u003c\/strong\u003e Elegant and measured, the finish carries echoes of walnut, singed orange peel, and a whisper of ground clove. A soft touch of oak lingers without overpowering the fruit and nut character.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eHow to Drink Pellegrino Dry Marsala\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eChilled slightly to around 55°F, this Marsala drinks well on its own as an aperitif, where its dry profile and nutty complexity come into sharp focus. It also functions as a serious cocktail and culinary ingredient:\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eClassic Marsala Sauce:\u003c\/strong\u003e The dry, savory profile deglazes beautifully for chicken or veal Marsala, adding depth without sweetness.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eZabaglione (dry variation):\u003c\/strong\u003e Used in place of sweet Marsala, it creates a less cloying, more sophisticated custard with toasted almond undertones.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBamboo Cocktail:\u003c\/strong\u003e Equal parts dry Marsala and dry vermouth with dashes of orange and Angostura bitters — a pre-Prohibition classic that highlights the wine's herbal and nutty qualities.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eBest For\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHome cooks building a serious Italian cooking wine collection\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eExploring Sicilian wine traditions beyond table wine\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAperitif service alongside Mediterranean antipasti\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGifting to a food-and-wine enthusiast who appreciates lesser-known fortified styles\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat does Pellegrino Dry Marsala taste like?\u003c\/strong\u003e It delivers toasted almond, dried fig, and baked nut flavors with a crisp, dry backbone and gentle minerality. The finish is elegant, with walnut, singed orange peel, and a soft touch of oak.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow does Pellegrino Dry Marsala compare to Florio Dry Marsala?\u003c\/strong\u003e Both Pellegrino and Florio are Marsala's two most prominent historic producers, operating in the same DOC with similar grape varieties. Pellegrino's use of the \"in perpetuum\" solera-style process tends to yield a wine with slightly more layered aromatic complexity, while Florio's expressions are often noted for a leaner, more straightforward structure.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Pellegrino Dry Marsala good for cooking?\u003c\/strong\u003e It is widely considered one of the best dry Marsalas for cooking, particularly for classic dishes like chicken Marsala and veal scallopini, where its nutty depth and dry finish enhance pan sauces without adding residual sweetness.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhere is Pellegrino Dry Marsala made?\u003c\/strong\u003e It is produced by Carlo Pellegrino \u0026amp; C. in the city of Marsala on the western coast of Sicily, Italy — the birthplace of the Marsala DOC appellation.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat foods pair well with Pellegrino Dry Marsala?\u003c\/strong\u003e Hard aged cheeses like Pecorino Siciliano complement its nutty character. Roasted almonds and salted Marcona almonds echo the wine's dominant flavor. Prosciutto-wrapped melon balances its dry profile with sweetness. Seared scallops match its saline, mineral edge. Cannoli or almond biscotti bridge dessert without clashing with the dry finish.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat sizes does Pellegrino Dry Marsala come in?\u003c\/strong\u003e The standard bottling is 750ml, which is the most widely available format.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Pellegrino Dry Marsala worth the price?\u003c\/strong\u003e Pellegrino Dry Marsala positions as a value-driven expression within the fortified wine category, delivering 90-point quality at an accessible price tier that makes it equally practical for sipping and cooking.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eWhy Pellegrino Dry Marsala?\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eWith a Wine Spectator score of 90 points, this is not a cooking-aisle afterthought — it is a critically recognized fortified wine from one of the oldest operating houses in the Marsala DOC. The \"in perpetuum\" aging process sets it apart from mass-produced Marsala by introducing the depth and blending complexity normally associated with sherry soleras. Rooted in over 140 years of continuous production and anchored by indigenous Sicilian grape varieties, it represents one of the most authentic and versatile expressions of dry Marsala available today.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Pellegrino","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44836856168617,"sku":"6125","price":15.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0680\/1024\/6313\/files\/Pellegrino-Dry-Marsala__15618.jpg?v=1730473112"},{"product_id":"pellegrino-sweet-marsala-750ml","title":"Pellegrino Sweet Marsala","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePellegrino Sweet Marsala\u003c\/strong\u003e is a fortified Sicilian wine from the Marsala DOC, bottled at 18% ABV in a standard 750ml format. Awarded 89 points by Wine Spectator and a Gold Medal at the 2018 Berlin Wine Trophy, this expression from one of Sicily's oldest producers delivers serious depth for its category.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQuick Facts:\u003c\/strong\u003e ABV: 18%  |  Origin: Marsala DOC, Sicily, Italy  |  Style: Sweet (Dolce) Fortified Wine  |  Producer: Cantine Pellegrino (est. 1880)\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eProduction \u0026amp; Heritage\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eCantine Pellegrino was founded in 1880 by Paolo Pellegrino in the coastal city of Marsala on Sicily's western tip, and the house remains one of the two most recognized Marsala producers alongside Cantine Florio. This Sweet Marsala is made from a blend of indigenous Sicilian white grapes — Catarratto, Grillo, and Inzolia — varieties brought to the island by its earliest settlers and rarely cultivated outside the region. The fully fermented base wine is fortified with grape spirit distilled from Marsala wine itself, then sweetened with mosto cotto (cooked-down grape must) and aged for more than one year in oak casks before release.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eTasting Notes\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAroma:\u003c\/strong\u003e A bright amber pour leads to inviting aromas of toffee, toasted nuts, and dried fruit. Oak-driven hints of vanilla and warm spice build beneath the initial sweetness.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTaste:\u003c\/strong\u003e The entry is lush with date, fig, and golden sultana flavors that coat the palate in a rich, full texture. At mid-palate, praline sweetness emerges alongside bergamot-like citrus, keeping the wine from becoming cloying. Wine Spectator described it as \"lightly sweet and balanced,\" which is accurate — there is genuine structure here despite the dolce designation.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFinish:\u003c\/strong\u003e The finish is moderately long with a zesty, spice-tinged lift that dries out gradually. Lingering notes of roasted nuts and candied orange peel round out the final impression.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eHow to Drink Pellegrino Marsala\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eServed slightly chilled at around 55–60°F, this Marsala shines as a dessert sipper or digestif alongside cheese and dried fruit. It also ranks among the most versatile fortified wines for cooking and cocktails. A \u003cstrong\u003eMarsala Flip\u003c\/strong\u003e uses a whole egg, sugar, and nutmeg to showcase the wine's toffee richness. A \u003cstrong\u003eZabaglione Cocktail\u003c\/strong\u003e — inspired by the classic Italian dessert — pairs it with egg yolk and a splash of espresso for a decadent after-dinner drink. A simple \u003cstrong\u003eMarsala Spritz\u003c\/strong\u003e with sparkling water and an orange twist makes a lighter aperitivo option that highlights the bergamot and citrus notes.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eBest For\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHome cooks looking for an authentic Marsala for chicken Marsala, zabaglione, or tiramisu\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAfter-dinner sipping with aged cheeses, biscotti, or dark chocolate\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAn introduction to fortified wines for those exploring beyond sherry and port\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGifting Italian food and wine enthusiasts who appreciate Sicilian tradition\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat does Pellegrino Marsala taste like?\u003c\/strong\u003e It presents a rich, lightly sweet profile dominated by date, fig, toffee, and praline, with a zesty finish of spice and bergamot-like citrus that prevents it from tasting heavy.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow does Pellegrino Marsala compare to Florio Sweet Marsala?\u003c\/strong\u003e Both Cantine Pellegrino and Cantine Florio are widely regarded as the top two Marsala houses in Sicily. Pellegrino's Sweet Marsala tends to lean slightly more toward dried fruit and toffee richness, while Florio's expression is often cited as a touch more oxidative and nutty, though both occupy a similar quality tier.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Pellegrino Marsala good for cooking?\u003c\/strong\u003e Sweet Marsala is the traditional choice for classic Italian dishes like chicken Marsala and zabaglione, and Pellegrino's DOC-certified bottling provides significantly more flavor depth than generic cooking wines labeled simply as \"Marsala.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhere is Pellegrino Marsala made?\u003c\/strong\u003e It is produced by Cantine Pellegrino in the city of Marsala on the western coast of Sicily, Italy, within the legally defined Marsala DOC zone — the only region where authentic Marsala wine can be produced.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat foods pair well with Pellegrino Marsala?\u003c\/strong\u003e Aged Parmigiano-Reggiano and Pecorino complement its nutty toffee notes. Almond biscotti and cantucci echo the praline character. Fresh figs or dates mirror the dried-fruit sweetness. Dark chocolate with sea salt contrasts the bergamot finish. Blue cheese like Gorgonzola Dolce creates a classic sweet-savory pairing.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat sizes does Pellegrino Marsala come in?\u003c\/strong\u003e The standard format is a 750ml bottle, which is the most widely available size.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Pellegrino Marsala worth the price?\u003c\/strong\u003e Pellegrino Sweet Marsala positions as an entry-level to mid-range fortified wine, yet its 89-point Wine Spectator score and Berlin Wine Trophy Gold Medal place it among the best values in the Marsala DOC category — delivering DOC-certified, oak-aged quality that far exceeds mass-market cooking Marsala.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eWhy Pellegrino Marsala?\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eWith 89 points from Wine Spectator and a Gold Medal at the 2018 Berlin Wine Trophy, this bottling punches well above what most consumers expect from sweet Marsala. The use of three indigenous Sicilian varietals — Catarratto, Grillo, and Inzolia — gives it a regional authenticity that imported grape blends cannot replicate. Fortification with spirit distilled from Marsala wine itself, rather than neutral grape spirit, adds a layer of complexity that ties the finished product tightly to its terroir. For a house that has been producing in the Marsala DOC since 1880, this expression represents over 140 years of accumulated craft distilled into a single, genuinely versatile bottle.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Pellegrino","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44836856758441,"sku":"4797","price":15.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0680\/1024\/6313\/files\/Pellegrino-Sweet-Marsala__45781.jpg?v=1730473118"}],"url":"https:\/\/theliquorbarn.com\/collections\/pellegrino.oembed","provider":"The Liquor Barn","version":"1.0","type":"link"}