Country: Italy Region: Puglia Varietal: Negro Amaro 90%  Malvasia Nera 10% Vintage: 2020 Colour: Red Style: Dry Producer: Castellani Description: For reasons both geographical and circumstantial, Puglia has long been one of Italy’s most important wine-producing regions. Puglia [aka Apulia] is in the southeastern extreme of continental Italy. The southernmost portion of Puglia, the Salento peninsula, forms the heel of Italy’s famous boot. This location was an easy trip for the ancient Greeks, who planted vitis vinifera grapes and fostered winemaking around the Mediterranean. Though grapes certainly grew wild in the area well before that, and wine may have ensued, the Greeks brought cultivation, winemaking technique, and enthusiasm. Very common in Puglia is the [un]training system of low, non-trellised, bush vines, a scheme called albarello. This style of viticulture hails from Greece, where it allows vines to thrive in the very warm, dry, windy, Mediterranean climate which it shares with Puglia.  Tasting Note:This is a deep ruby red in colour with violet hues. The wine has intensive aromas of ripe cherries and berries with notes of eucalyptus and white pepper. The palate is juicy and fresh, strong and structural. Good balanced acidity and round tannins in good length finish.  Food Matches: Pasta / Risottos / Lamb / Chocolate