Riserva Salice Salentino Rosso Malvasia Nera Negroamaro

I treasure my cheap, aged wines. Even though this is a southern Italian it is neither a Primitivo bomb or sun drenched – rather, it’s all soft and pillowy with very expressive cassis & fermented plum notes from its 90% Negroamaro and 10% Malvasia blend.

So resinous and herbal - crushed rock and mulling spice. Eye opener for me. Much lighter on its feet with a medium ruby than I anticipated from this warm region.

Green (pronounced pyrazene) and black pepper, savory herbs: rosemary and thyme. Eucalyptus and anise. Cured meat, leather, and tar. Clay and truffles. Tart red cherries. Medium minus concentration, darker garnet. Elevated acidity and tannin, full body. Great with fatty grilled lamb and ribs!

Happy Friday folks. Today’s quarantine juice from both grapes and place that are new to me. Gotta travel somehow... funky and herbal nose, leading to brambly berries and olive, dusty tannins. Nice early spring sundowner

There once was life here, but that time is fading away. A slightly ruddy ruby in the glass with just a touch of bricking. The nose on this is still intact, though the fruit is fading fast. Very savory with dried herbs, black pepper, and soil. I’m certainly no expert on Negromaro though I’ve had a few but I’ll hazard to say that this may have been a stunner even a couple of years ago. This is svelte and firm with medium acidity to compliment the dusty tannins. You do get the feeling that if only the trigger had been pulled a little earlier, you would be in for a real treat. On the palate, there’s smoke and grilled meat, along with leather and more herbs. But the fruit is just so tired and lifeless. The finish is a bit short with spice. What could have been.

This wine is such a treat to drink. Is it the most complex wine in the world, no, but it does have everything that makes me happy. Savory aromas, forest floor, dirty fruit with dried herbs, orange peel and an awesome tannic finish. The texture is so silky and its drinking beautifully right now. Our new house wine for sure.

Have to have for tasting

Blend of Negroamaro (90%) and Malvasia Nera (10%). Bright ruby color with a distinct brick rim. Aromas of black fruits, roasted meat and purple flowers. Flavors of black cherry, ripe plums and baking spices. Long, earthy and powerful finish. Bone dry, rustic and full bodied. Thanks for opening, Chris B. Revisited in October 2014. Still bright and fresh. Aging beautifully.

Dark cherry, tobacco, pepper. Light body with great depth and energy,

Nice fruity nose. Funny the negroamoro malvasia nera blend has an overtone reminiscent of typical pinot (glycerine?). This is a nice alternative to more expensive reds. Has enough ooomph to stand up to stronger lamb and beef dishes. Fruity but not overly so.