Paolo Lazzaroni & Figli Marsala Dry
Paolo Lazzaroni & Figli Marsala Dry is a Marsala Fine I.P. Ambra Secco at 17% ABV in a 750mL bottle — a white blend of Catarratto, Grillo, and Inzolia from Sicily's Marsala DOC, fermented to dryness and aged about a year in oak — available to order online at Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.
- ABV: 17% vol (importer sell sheet; some retailers list 17.5% — confirm on label)
- Size: 750mL
- Grapes: Catarratto, Grillo, Inzolia
- Grade: Marsala Fine I.P. Ambra Secco — minimum 1 year oak aging; secco = up to 40 g/L residual sugar
- Style: amber (ambra) from mosto cotto; dry, nutty, savory
- Origin: Marsala DOC, Trapani, Sicily, Italy — produced for Paolo Lazzaroni & Figli (Saronno); imported by Laird & Co., Scobeyville, NJ
The Dry Side of Sicily's Fortified Tradition
Most shoppers meet Marsala as a sweet cooking wine — the Dry (secco) grade is the revelation: fermented to dryness before fortification, so the wine drinks savory and nutty rather than sweet, with the amber color and oxidative character still fully present. Lazzaroni's Fine-grade secco spends about a year in oak, building the walnut-and-dried-fruit depth that makes dry Marsala a secret-weapon aperitif and cooking ingredient. See the full Paolo Lazzaroni & Figli range, or compare with other fortified wines in the cellar.
Tasting Notes
Toasted almond and dried fig over orange peel and brown butter, with a savory, saline edge. Dry and nutty with a long oxidative finish — far more complex than its price suggests.
How to Enjoy
Serve chilled as an aperitif with olives and cured meats, use it in a dry Marsala cocktail, or cook with it — dry Marsala makes the definitive chicken Marsala and mushroom sauces. Keeps for weeks after opening.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Marsala Dry and Marsala Sweet?
Both are fortified wines from the same DOC zone; dry (secco) has up to 40 g/L residual sugar and drinks savory and nutty, while sweet (dolce) exceeds 100 g/L and is a dessert wine.
Is Marsala Dry only for cooking?
Not at all — quality dry Marsala is an excellent aperitif and cocktail ingredient; this Fine-grade bottling drinks well on its own.
What is the ABV?
17% per the US importer's sell sheet (some retailers list 17.5%).
How long does it keep after opening?
As a fortified wine it keeps well — cork it, store cool, and it holds for weeks.
Go beyond the cooking aisle: order Paolo Lazzaroni & Figli Marsala Dry online from Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.