In the glass
Aroma: caramelised orange, dried raisin, coffee, hazelnut
Palate: dried fig, roasted almond, caramel, tobacco
The Targa Riserva 1840 is Florio's ambassador wine: a Marsala Superiore Riserva of medium-sweet richness, aged 5-plus years in the historic cellars, balancing caramelised dried-fruit complexity with the freshness of Grillo.
What it pairs with
-
Cannoli siciliani
The wine's caramel-raisin sweetness and almond notes are the definitive match for Sicily's most famous dessert. -
Cassata siciliana
Florio Marsala is traditionally used in cassata itself; drinking it alongside the cake completes the pairing. -
Almonds, figs and fresh dates
The wine's dried-fruit and nut notes are a natural companion for Sicilian dried fruits and nuts.
How to serve Florio Targa Riserva 1840
Allow 5 minutes from open to pour.
- Open and pour. Open and pour directly. No decanting required for this style.
- Serve at 12-14°C. Cellar temperature (12-14°C) is the band for this style. Warmer pushes alcohol forward; colder dampens aromatics.
- Glassware. Use a small fortified-wine glass: the bowl shape rewards the wine's structure.
- Pair with. Cannoli siciliani, Cassata siciliana, Almonds, figs and fresh dates. Match the wine's structure to the dish's fat and salt.
History
The Targa Riserva 1840 was created to commemorate the year the Florio tuff-stone cellars were completed - the reference '1840' appears on the label. It is Florio's most widely distributed and internationally recognised Marsala wine, winning the Targa (award) at successive international wine competitions and becoming the modern standard for Marsala Superiore Riserva.
- 1987 — First Targa Riserva 1840 vintage; created as Florio's international-market ambassador wine
Facts
- Producer
- Cantine Florio
- Grapes
- Grillo
- Classification
- Marsala Superiore Riserva DOC
- Oak
- Minimum 5 years in large Slavonian oak barrels
- ABV
- 18.5%
- Price
- €20-35 at retail
- Drinking window
- 5-25+ from vintage
- First vintage
- 1987
Frequently asked about Florio Targa Riserva 1840
What does Florio Targa Riserva 1840 taste like?
On the nose, caramelised orange, dried raisin, coffee, hazelnut. On the palate, dried fig, roasted almond, caramel, tobacco. Structurally full-bodied, low tannins, medium acidity with a long, rich, oxidative finish. The Targa Riserva 1840 is Florio's ambassador wine: a Marsala Superiore Riserva of medium-sweet richness, aged 5-plus years in the historic cellars, balancing caramelised dried-fruit complexity with the freshness of Grillo.
When should I drink Florio Targa Riserva 1840?
Drink 5-25+ from vintage. Young vintages benefit from 30-90 minutes of decanting; mature bottles should be handled carefully for sediment.
What food pairs with Florio Targa Riserva 1840?
Cannoli siciliani is the canonical pairing. Other strong matches include Cassata siciliana and Almonds, figs and fresh dates. The wine's caramel-raisin sweetness and almond notes are the definitive match for Sicily's most famous dessert.
What grapes are in Florio Targa Riserva 1840?
The blend is Grillo. The wine is classified as Marsala Superiore Riserva DOC.