Page 26 - Book-TradiAliCulture-Sicily

The Marsala wine and its story.

The Marsala wine is a liqueur wine, probably one of the most prestigious.

In and around Marsala lies one of the most beautiful vineyards in the
southern part of Western Sicily.

Since 1984, this wine is included in the list of A.O.C. (Appellation d’Origine
Contrôlée = regional trademark )wine. Therefore, the name « Marsala »
may only be used for excellent and superior wine. The wine must be
bottled in an A.O.C area with a guarantee for the customer of a very high

quality level.

Marsala:
The cathedral dedicated to
Saint Thomas Becket

The origin of the Marsala wine starts a long time ago. Its older name was
« Perpetum ». Over the centuries, this wine has retained its characteristics
which make it a famous wine all around the world.

As for the name of the city « Marsala », it’s a name of Arabic origin «

Mars Al-Allah », means the port of Allah.

However, thanks to an English trader called John Woodhouse, the Marsala
wine has an international success. Indeed, in 1773, to protect himself
from a rough sea, John docked to the harbour of Marsala. He discovered
the production of the “Perpetum”. This wine reminded him of those of

Spain or Portugal so appreciated in England.
Woodhouse began to import these wines. In order to protect them during

the travel, he added a little alcohol in the casks. The request was so big
that Woodhouse decided towards the end of the 18th century to settle in
Sicily. He created his own company to produce and market Marsala’s
Wine. The success was fast and the wine became international.

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