SOILS
Marsala is found in the centre of the Mediterranean in the typical production area where the soils are generally calcareous: calcareous clay, calcareous-siliceous-clay and clay, granular-pebbly-sandy.
The best soils to produce Marsala wines are of a medium mix, permeable and porous with a calcarenitic layer beneath, with surface ground water, little organic substance and fertile elements, where stagnant water does not accumulate.
Thanks to work to prepare the land, the root system is able to work its way down and find a constant supply of water and minerals for the plant, whereas the surface layer of the soil is subject to partial dehydration during the ripening period, which enables the vine that is already at the veraison stage to stop any bud growth.
Of special interest to produce a top-quality base wine to prepare Marsala wine are the pebbly, sandy soils, typical of the coastal area, especially along the breezy coast of the Municipality of Marsala, in the districts of Birgi, Spagnola and Triglia, swept by the warm winds from Africa. The nearby sea mitigates the climate and avoids excessive heat, which annuls the influence of the soil on the product’s qualitative features.
CLAY SOILS
They include the Municipalities of Buseto Palizzolo, Calatafimi, Salemi, Partanna, Gibellina and Fulgatore.The soils are partly clay, rich in potassium, but lacking nitrogen and phosphorous, where the vine gives good yields, although with a low sugar level.
BROWN SOILS
They extend through the Municipalities of: Poggioreale, Salaparuta, Balata di Baida, Fulgatore and Buseto Palazzolo. Partly clay soils, with a sub-alkaline reaction, with the presence of limestone, they are very fertile.
RED SOILS
They extend through the Municipalities of: Marsala, Petrosino, Mazara del Vallo, Campobello di Mazara, Calatafimi, Paceco and Castellammare del Golfo.Not very fertile soils, the so-called “Sciare” (from the Arabic meaning arid soil), with a neutral or sub-alkaline reaction, rich in iron oxide which gives it its reddish colour.
SANDY SOILS
They include the Municipalities of Buseto Palizzolo, Calatafimi, Salemi, Partanna, Gibellina and Fulgatore.The soils are partly clay, rich in potassium, but lacking nitrogen and phosphorous, where the vine gives good yields, although with a low sugar level.