Ingham Marsala

Ingham Marsala

A Legacy of Marsala: The Vision of Benjamin Ingham

 

In the early 19th century, amidst the golden landscapes of Sicily, an ambitious English merchant, Benjamin Ingham, arrived with dreams of textiles but found himself captivated by something far more intoxicating—the rich, sun-kissed flavors of Marsala wine. Though the market was dominated by the formidable Woodhouse name, Ingham saw an opportunity, a future where Marsala could transcend borders and become a treasure of international acclaim.

 

By 1813, he had established his own winery, driven by passion and an unrelenting pursuit of excellence. With a pioneering spirit, Ingham delved into agronomic studies, elevating the cultivation of Marsala grapes and refining the art of fortification. His groundbreaking treatise laid the foundation for a new era of winemaking, ensuring that each barrel carried the essence of Sicily in its most exquisite form.

 

But Ingham was not merely a winemaker—he was a visionary merchant of the seas. His fleet, led by the swift and elegant Rambler, its hull gleaming with copper, cut across the Atlantic, carrying Marsala to distant shores. With each voyage, his reputation flourished, and soon, his name became synonymous with Marsala itself.

 

Through bold ambition and an unwavering commitment to quality, Benjamin Ingham did more than craft wine—he wove a legacy, one that continues to echo in every glass of Marsala enjoyed around the world today.

A Legacy of Marsala: The Vision of Benjamin Ingham

 

In the early 19th century, amidst the golden landscapes of Sicily, an ambitious English merchant, Benjamin Ingham, arrived with dreams of textiles but found himself captivated by something far more intoxicating—the rich, sun-kissed flavors of Marsala wine. Though the market was dominated by the formidable Woodhouse name, Ingham saw an opportunity, a future where Marsala could transcend borders and become a treasure of international acclaim.

 

By 1813, he had established his own winery, driven by passion and an unrelenting pursuit of excellence. With a pioneering spirit, Ingham delved into agronomic studies, elevating the cultivation of Marsala grapes and refining the art of fortification. His groundbreaking treatise laid the foundation for a new era of winemaking, ensuring that each barrel carried the essence of Sicily in its most exquisite form.

 

But Ingham was not merely a winemaker—he was a visionary merchant of the seas. His fleet, led by the swift and elegant Rambler, its hull gleaming with copper, cut across the Atlantic, carrying Marsala to distant shores. With each voyage, his reputation flourished, and soon, his name became synonymous with Marsala itself.

 

Through bold ambition and an unwavering commitment to quality, Benjamin Ingham did more than craft wine—he wove a legacy, one that continues to echo in every glass of Marsala enjoyed around the world today.

Vineyard & Production Info

Soil composition:
Scarcely fertile, siliceous, rich in “red soils”, surface water table
Elevation:
164 feet
Bottles produced of this wine:
5,000
Average Vine Age:
minimum 4 years

Winemaking & Aging

Varietal composition:
Marsala 100%
Fermentation container:
concrete tank
Total SO2:
40

Analytical Data

pH level:
3.3
Acidity:
4.7 g/L
Alcohol:
18.5 %
Total SO2:
40
Residual sugar:
65 g/L

About the Vineyard

Harvested by hand at advanced ripeness, the grapes develop a concentrated sweetness, releasing their precious essence into the must during pressing. Fermentation takes place at a controlled temperature, followed by the crucial fortification process, where mistella, cooked must, and distilled wine are added. This defining moment—known as “Innamoramento” or “falling in love”—marks the transformation of the wine, guiding its organoleptic evolution.

“Innamoramento” signifies the transition from winemaking, shaped by the rhythm of the agronomic season, to the creation of Marsala, where time itself becomes the key ingredient. Aging begins in the cellar, where the wine slowly matures, evolving into something truly extraordinary.

Marsala Ingham is born from this patient craftsmanship. It matures for at least two years in oak barrels, followed by over a year of aging in ancient carats before finally resting in the bottle. Each stage adds depth and complexity to this remarkable wine.