Just 12 kilometers from Marsala, the Marco De Bartoli Winery resides in the historic Baglio Vecchio Samperi, a family estate held for over two centuries. This remarkable property preserves a rich heritage integral to Sicilian viticulture. It was here that Marco De Bartoli launched a groundbreaking journey – a revival of traditional Marsala winemaking.
Nestled in Sicily’s western region, just a short distance from the Mediterranean Sea, Marco’s vision bridges tradition with innovation. He embraced the ancient viticultural practices of his homeland, fostering a deep connection between time-honored methods and forward-thinking techniques to produce wines that honor the soul of Sicily.
«Marco De Bartoli has rediscovered and deepened the connection between traditional methods and modern research»
The Power of Native Grapes
Driven by a quest for quality and distinct character, Marco De Bartoli champions Sicily’s native grape varieties, seamlessly blending tradition with innovation. Central to his work are the Grillo and Zibibbo grapes: Grillo, a classic Sicilian variety since the mid-1800s, forms the foundation of traditional Marsala; while Zibibbo is the essence of Pantelleria’s famed Passito.
A Tribute to Marsala’s Origins
In 1980, Marco De Bartoli introduced his first wine, the legendary Vecchio Samperi, named after the Samperi district in Marsala’s rugged inland where most of the winery’s vineyards thrive. This dry, mineral-rich limestone soil shapes a unique character, nourishing De Bartoli’s vines with essential minerals. Vecchio Samperi pays homage to pre-British Marsala wine traditions, standing as a pure “wine of Marsala” rather than the fortified version known today – a testament to the authentic roots of Sicilian winemaking.
Crafting Vecchio Samperi: A Timeless Blend of Tradition
The production of Vecchio Samperi honors a traditional aging method known as perpetuo (or Soleras). Through a meticulous process, small amounts of newly produced wine are transferred into barrels containing older vintages, creating a seamless fusion of flavors across different years. This technique, perfected in oak casks, lends Vecchio Samperi its unparalleled and distinctive taste, elevating an ancient winemaking art to a uniquely refined experience.
Research, Quality and Sustainability
The dedicated research started by Marco De Bartoli continues today through his children—Renato, Sebastiano, and Giuseppina. In recent years, they have focused on crafting single-varietal wines from native Sicilian grapes, with a commitment to both quality and sustainability. This dedication includes organic farming practices that honor the land, underscoring their respect for tradition while supporting a sustainable future.
«Vecchio Samperi is truly one-of-a-kind, a wine that placed Marco De Bartoli among the greats of winemaking»
WINERY OPENINGS, TOURS AND TASTINGS
– Monday through Thursday h 9am-1pm and 3-6pm, Friday h 9am-1pm and 3-5pm
– Guided tours take place Monday to Friday by appointment only (duration about 1h 30′, starting indicatively at 10.30-11 am and 3-3.30 pm, from 1 to 25 people max)
– The visit must always be agreed in advance with the winery
– 5 tasting possibilities: from 3 to 6 wines with various focuses, all with a guided tour of the cellar and vineyard (during the guided tour the different stages of production of still, sparkling classic method and oxidative wines are explained, from the vineyard to the cellar, going through the different areas of vinification and aging; the tour ends with a technical tasting of the most important and representative wines accompanied by crackers or homemade bread, also gluten-free)
– For large groups, for easier management of the tasting phase, only the 3-wine option is provided
– Visits can also be conducted in English, French and Spanish
– Vip tastings for groups of at least 4 people
– For special needs and for a “tailor-made ” experience, it is necessary to call or to send a detailed e-mail with your requests
– Reservations required at least 3 days in advance by phone or email: tel. 0039 0923 962 093, info@marcodebartoli.com (reservation is considered accepted only after receiving a confirmation message, please advise in time in case of any cancellations)
– Marco De Bartoli Winery in Pantelleria
CONTACTS
Contrada Fornara Samperi 292
91025 Marsala (TP)
tel. 0923 962 093
info@marcodebartoli.com
www.marcodebartoli.com
