Marsala Wine Substitute

Marsala wine is Italy's most well-known form of fortified wine, produced in Marsala city of Sicily, Italy. This wine like its siblings Port, Sherry and Madeira contains higher alcohol content, which is about 17-20% of alcohol. The low aging classifications are the ones with typically low alcohol content, for example, Marsala fine is less than a year old and has 17% alcohol content. On the other hand, Superiore (more than 2 years) has 18% alcohol content and Vergine Soleras (more than 5 years) has 18-20% alcohol content.

The glorious Marsala wine is prepared from indigenous white grapes such as Catarratto, Grillo and aromatic Insolia grape. The combination of these three varieties of grapes is what gives the wine its rich red color. It is available in both sweet and dry form and was traditionally served between the first and second course of a meal. However, today it is served chilled with Parmesan, Roquefort, Gorgonzola and various other spicy cheeses. Besides being popular for its consumption as wine, it is also known for its culinary uses.

Substitute for Marsala Wine

What is Marsala wine used for? Marsala wine is popularly used in the culinary field and is added to scores of cake and other recipes. There are several chicken Marsala, veal Marsala recipes, etc. that ask for the addition of Marsala into them. Marsala adds a unique sweetness to the dish and imparts a really amazing flavor. However, what does one do if the stock of Marsala at home is over? During times when Marsala wine is not available, a substitute is required. There are loads of people who use Chardonnay or Cabernet as Marsala wine alternatives and the dish is quite tasty. One can also add a mixture of equal amounts of brandy and water into the recipe in place of Marsala.

However, the flavor is definitely different. The flavor that Marsala brings to the dish is definitely not obtained by adding Chardonnay or Cabernet, simply because they are wines with different flavors of their own. Thus, if you want the unique flavor of chicken Marsala, you need to get Marsala itself! Then there are others who do not drink wines and cannot use other wines as sweet Marsala wine substitute in their recipes. In such cases, one can add chicken stock in the recipe in place of Marsala.

Some even add prune puree or fig puree that has been passed through a fine sieve as a substitute for Marsala wine. Cake recipes also call for Marsala wine additions, especially Tiramisu. In such cases, one can substitute Marsala with watered down red grape juice or cranberry juice. The flavor of course will not be like Marsala, nevertheless, if you really do not take wine, this alternative will work fine.

Marsala wine is available in all wine stores and may even be available in some grocery stores. Just buy a bottle and store it in a dark place. The wine is fortified and lasts for a long time, so always keep a bottle at home and use it whenever you are preparing the dish that calls for Marsala addition. Even the best substitute cannot impart the flavor that Marsala brings to the dish!