The fortified wine created by English merchants in 1773
In 1773 the English merchant John Woodhouse, landing at Marsala, tasted the local wine aged in barrels and had the idea of adding alcohol to preserve it for the long voyage to England, as was done with port and sherry. Marsala wine was born, and soon became a favourite of the British navy: Admiral Nelson ordered it for his fleet.
Other English traders, such as Ingham and Whitaker, and later Italian entrepreneurs, above all Vincenzo Florio, built huge bagli, fortified wineries on the seafront, where the wine aged in long rows of barrels. Many of them can still be visited, from Cantine Florio to Pellegrino and Donnafugata, with tastings of dry and sweet Marsala of different ages. The historic centre, entered through Porta Garibaldi, recalls the landing of the Thousand in 1860.
Tip: try Marsala also with cheese or pastries; in the town centre, the Baglio Anselmi museum displays the Punic ship found off the Stagnone.
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