13 August 2017
This Salento IGT produced by Cantine San Marzano is officially priced at 29.90 CHF, but is currently selling at both Denner and Otto’s for 17.50 CHF.
The wine is the enjoyable result of a blend of Negroamaro and Primitivo, the two main red grape varieties of Puglia. Rich in well matured, but not overripe, fruits. Well balanced with smooth tannins. Overall a very pleasant wine.
The Primitivo is often too fruity, and lacks complexity. The blend with Negroamaro adds an agreeable bitterness and some complexity. A good match.
When I traveled to Puglia with my son during the Eastern Holidays, I also tasted a few good Salice Salentino DOC wines, in which the Negroamaro get blended with Malvasia Nera.
Another grape that I got to appreciate during my stay in Puglia is the Nero di Troia, which was also esteemed by the Holy Roman Emperor Fredrick II. As it is easy to imagine, the name of the grape attracted quite a bit of interest from my seven years son.
Country: Italy
Region: Puglia
Grapes: Negroamaro, Primitivo
Type: Red
Vintage: 2012
Producer: Cantine San Marzano
Price range: Medium (15-30 US$)
Pascal’s Enjoyment Index: 5/5