Forte Canto Negroamaro Salento Rosso 2005 IGT tasting notes

This dark red wine from Monteroni di Lecce in Puglia was my first taste of a Negroamaro, which means "black bitter". I was caught by surprise (knowing it never touched wood) at how intensely flavorful this was. It's made from 100% Negroamaro grapes and grown in a red clay, sandstone and limestone soil, macerated in stainless steel vats on skins for 12 days, then straight to the bottle for 3 months. Again, it's not barreled and it's unfiltered, which really gives it weight. On the nose & palate are cola, blackberry, cherry pie and ripe plum. I'd decant this for at least an hour to get the full blast. This retails for about $14 and is well worth it.

Tormaresca Negroamaro Cabernet 2003 IGT

Tormaresca Negroamaro Cabernet 2003 is a dry red wine from the Puglia region in southern Italy. The mix, a 70% Negroamaro and 30% Cabernet Sauvignon makes for an excellent blend. The former brings a dry bitterness to the table while the latter balances it all with its fruitiness. On the nose is a slightly metallic cola, chocolate, oak, and barnyard. On the palate is intense ripe cherry, earth and mushroom. Paired well with whole wheat pasta with olive oil, garlic, toasted pignoli nuts and baby spinach. 13% alcohol and $8 range. Really good deal!

Masserie Pisari Salento Rosso Negroamaro 2006 IGT

From the Puglia region of Italy comes this 100% Negroamaro (black/bitter in Italian), with ruby red colors, and fruity aromas but a surprising hint of citrus. On the palate: licorice, sour cherries, cocoa, and cured meats with a fresh smooth finish.

From vines ranging from 15 up to 50 years old, the grapes first macerate on the skins for approximately 12 days in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks and then maturate in steel for another 10 months.

Had this at The Ten Bells at 247 Broome Street on the lower east Side, NYC... a great place to try new wines (more about this later).

Christine in Puglia: Tufjiano 2007, Fiano Biologico, Colli dell Margia; Tempio di Giano 2007, Negroamaro, Veterere

My good friend Christine recently returned from a trip to Puglia and kindly wrote this story about what sounds like a wonderful place.

I had a very special evening in the Puglia region of Italy on the 30th of September. In the town of Ostuni I was given a tour of the exquisite grounds of the Masseria Il Frantoio by its charming proprietor Armando Balestrazzi. He and his wife Rosalba had a vision for this old farm estate 14 years ago and now proudly reap the rewards of this working organic farm and restaurant. I shared in their rewards as well, as I dined on the food and wine from its very own soil. Nothing here is taken for granted and it shows in everything they do.

Most memorable for me that evening was standing in the courtyard by candle light, smelling a combination of the citrus trees (lemon, lime & mandarin orange) along with the most intense grapes of which I held a pure, plump, bunch of in my hand.
At the table I was thrilled by the refreshingly cold white wine they served; Tufjiano 2007, Fiano Biologico, Colli dell Margia. It was sweet, smooth, crisp and pure and went perfectly with the green-beans fricasee served in a crispy basket of sheeps cheese.

I am not usually a white wine drinker, but this was really wonderful. It impressed me more than the red served later with our meal; Tempio di Giano 2007, Negroamaro, Veterere, very traditional to the region along with their seasonal, wild fennel pasta with fava beans puree and green peppers.

For me, these were a few special hours spent in heaven!
See their website:

http://www.masseriailfrantoio.it/pagine_inglesi/home_eng.html


Ciao!
Christine Rubinelli

Cantele Rosato Negroamaro 2007 IGT Puglia

The grapes are macerated from 12-18 hours to infuse the colors and aromas of 100% Negroamaro, then fermented in steel tanks before bottling.

Pinkish rose with hints of copper paints this Rosato from Puglia, while sour cherry gummy bears and strawberries express the aromas. The crisp palate shows a tart freshness that sings with the essence of rose water and cherries.

Con la mia moglie, ieri sera: prosciutto con melone e fichi... insalata cesare.... buratta e pomodori con aceto balsamico... petto di pollo in crosta di parmigiano... con una bottiglia di vino rosè, ad un ristorante chiamato Il Poeta. Delizioso!

Squinzano Negroamaro Vinicola Resta 2004 DOC tasting notes

©2008 photo by Dave Trieger
A great litle wine bar/restaurant called InVino, on the lower east side, is where I tried this red wine from Apuglia, (the heel of the boot) Italy. Some of the grapes come from the territory of Squinzano, and Novoli (Lecce) and some from the territory of San Pietro Vernotico and Torchiarolo (Brindisi). Soil composition: sandy and clay: 95% Negroamaro, 5% Black Malvasia from Brindisi and from Lecce. Vinification: in stainless steel containers. Aging: in oak barrels. Color: Deep purple/red. Aroma: complex with lingering blackberry jam, cola and a hint of barnyard. Palate: balanced, velvety, harmonious, cherry, fruity and mild licorice. Good structure, fine tannins. Really delicious wine with a long finish. Works well with red meats.


©2008 photo by Dave Trieger

"I like those gritty, dirty, earthy southern wines..."

growled Angus, one of the owners of InVino, after a swig of this wine.

I had this wine by the glass, so I'm not sure what a bottle would go for retail... but I'll check... OK, found it for $15, that's not bad at all.

Norie Negroamaro Salento 2005 IGT

From the Puglia region of Italy comes this full bodied 100% Negroamaro with deep heavy purple colors painted on a canvas of smokey aromas and heavily textured bittersweet chocolate. All topped with a warm syrup of black cherries and a bitter but pleasant finish. Had this by the glass at In Vino.

Tormaresca Masseria Maime Negroamaro IGT

At the NY Tre Bicchieri event yesterday I had the chance to buzz through the event fairly quickly, so my tasting notes are short and sweet.

From the Salento IGT in Puglia, Italy comes this 100% Negroamaro aged 14 months in oak barriques and rated 90 points for the 2004 by Wine Enthusiast and a Tre Bicchieri for the 2005.

Deep ruby red colors with aromas of plums and sour cherries, with muscular flavors of summer fruits and oak. Chewy mouthfeel with full body and a long finish.

Tormaresca Neprica 2006 IGT Puglia

The name Neprica is a neat little combination of Negroamaro, Primitivo and Cabernet grapes (40%, 30% and 30% respectively). Dark, clear ruby red in color, this red wine from Puglia, Italy has cola and licorice on the nose with flavors of velvety dark spicy chocolate pudding and ripe blackberries. I feel like summer is here when I drink this wine and I'm happy for it. I'm falling in love with the Negroamaro grape.

Li Veli Passamante Salento Negroamaro 2008 IGT

From Salento in Puglia this 100% Negroamaro is aged for six months in French oak and six months in bottle.

On the noses, red roses... with fresh herbs and juicy red flavors that are fruit forward but show a slight undertone of citrus and even slighter of cherry powdered candy (kind of like "Pixie Stix" candy from childhood years) in the back end. Finishes like butter and with good balance.

Cantele Rosato Negroamaro 2007 IGT Puglia

The grapes are macerated from 12-18 hours to infuse the colors and aromas of 100% Negroamaro, then fermented in steel tanks before bottling.

Pinkish rose with hints of copper paints this Rosato from Puglia, while sour cherry gummy bears and strawberries express the aromas. The crisp palate shows a tart freshness that sings with the essence of rose water and cherries.

Pairing superbly with cauliflour soup, scallops with pancetta and crispy greens, and a quatro formaggio risotto at Il Poeta in Forest Hills (expertly suggested by Luca).

Picks for Christmas 2009

Sparkling white:
Riondo Prosecco Italy
"...with delicous fragrances of orange blossoms, apricots and ripe peaches", to accompany shrimp appetizers.

White:
Urban Uco Torrontés 2009 Argentina $10
"...fragrant and snappy, the first whiff just put a big smile on my face", try this with linguine with clam sauce.

Red:
Il Trullo Salento Primitivo Italy, $11
"...loaded with resinous flavors of cassis and dark berries", similar to a Zinfandel and will work really well with a veal dish.

Rose:
Cantele Rosato Negroamaro 2007 IGT Puglia, Italy
"... hints of copper paints this Rosato from Puglia, while sour cherry gummy bears and strawberries express the aromas. The crisp palate shows a tart freshness that sings with the essence of rose water and cherries." This will work with a traditional Italian Christmas Eve "7 fishes".

Dessert:
Marenco 2007 Pineto Brachetto d'Acqui Italy
"... a strawberry bubbly that is an excellent way to end a Christmas Eve meal.

Sole di Puglia Negroamaro Primitivo 2006 IGT

At a late night dinner at Il Poeta this week Luca recommended this Italian Primitivo with dinner, and I was very happy with the pick. Being a great food wine, it showed aromas of licorice, blackberries and violets, with a viscous texture and concentrated flavors of vanilla, banana, bell pepper, talc, tea and tobacco.

Tormaresca Neprica 2010 IGT Puglia

Here is a red wine from Puglia that I keep returning to at every new vintage. It's called Neprica, which is portmanteau of Negroamaro,Primitivo and Cabernet grapes (40%, 30% and 30% respectively). Dark, clear ruby red in color, brambly aromas complement cola and licorice while dark flavors of spice, cocoa, cola and ripe blackberries dominate. SRP $11, so makes a great everyday wine to go well with steak, veal or pasta with red sauce.

Castello Monaci "Artas" Primitivo Salento 2006 IGT

From Puglia Italy and blended from 85% Primitivo and 15% Negroamaro, this red wine is aged in French oak barriques for 12 months and in bottle for 6 months.

Dark and mysterious with floral hints of lilac combined with dark summer fruits, equal a wine with interesting character and grace. Exhibits an herbacious bouquet laced with an herbal twist and a pleasant undertone.

Dinner & Tasting with Eric & Deborah

We were invited to dinner this weekend by my friends Eric & Deborah along with their two beautiful girls, Violet and Dahlia, while Eric put on his chef's hat to make a simple, but delicious made-from-scratch penne alla vodka. Throughout the evening we sampled a broad spectrum of 5 wonderful wines, 1 Italian white, 3 Italian reds and 1 California Cab. Rita and I enjoyed the evening and the company too much to take extensive tasting notes, but I did text myself a few lines. Well, here they are.

Trentino Traminer Aromatico Casato Montfort 2004
Varietal: Gewürztraminer
Region: Trentino
Aged 5 months in steel vats and 3 months in bottle. Good body, with intense aromas of lychee, pineapple, apple, incredibly balanced and smooth, the nose and palate interact very well.

Cataldi Madonna Montepulciano 2007 DOC
Varietal: Montepulciano
Stewed prunes, raisins, ripe cherries, granny smith apples, and spices with a brisk acidity.

Andrea Oberto Barbera d'Alba 2008 DOC
Cherry pie, red berries, blackberries, tobacco, polished.

Feudo di San Nicola Negroamaro 2004 IGT Puglia
Smoky candy, ripe cherries, blueberries, strawberries, and spicy on the finish.



Pride Mountain Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon 2006
70% form Napa, 30% from Sonoma with a blend of 88% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Merlot and 2% Petit Verdot. Violets, lavendar, cassis, blueberries, chewy, blue fruits, oak, balanced, nice acidity, structured tannins. This wine is an excellent fruit forward California Cabernet.

Lomazzi & Sarli Solise Rosso Riserva 2005 DOC

This 100% Negroamaro from Brindisi, in the Puglia region of Italy, exhibits deep purple garnet colors, a full body and shows a nose full of aromas like black cherry, glycerine, stable, sweat, and animal.

A deep flavor profile loaded with licorice, dry cola, sour cherries and black pepper expresses itself with power and finesse. Very well balanced, with a long clean finish.

6 Rosé Wines for Thanksgiving

Picking a wine that will work with a turkey dinner can be tricky, here are six Rosés that will do the job without overpowering the dish:

Carpineto Rosato 2007
Bouquet: floral characteristics, particularly rose, acacia and grape flowers; fruity fragrances like apple, currant and sour cherry are evident.
Flavor: broad and fresh; the characteristic fruity aromas of the bouquet come through with complexity and end with a clean finish.

Domain de Mourchon Seguret Loubie (Rose) 2007
Having a Cote du Rhone designation, this Loubie Rose blend of Cinsault, Grenache and Syrah comes from 40 year old estate grown vines.
Tasting notes:
First up is a bouquet of summer fruits; peaches and nectarines with a tangy grapefruit accent. Next, the bright, crisp flavors of strawberries mingled with a floral undertone and long, fresh fruit finish.

Cantele Rosato Negroamaro 2007 IGT Puglia
Pinkish rose with hints of copper paints this Rosato from Puglia, while sour cherry gummy bears and strawberries express the aromas. The crisp palate shows a tart freshness that sings with the essence of rose water and cherries.

Gassier Sables d'Azur Rose 2009
From Cotes de Provence in France, this Rose comes in an hourglass shaped bottle and is a Grenache blend loaded with flowery aromas, waves of grapefruit, apricot and orange peel, with flavors of cherries and roses. $11


Rosaenovae Irpinia Terradora DiPaolo DOC 2009
Paolo Mastroberardino owns this winery formerly shared by brothers. Actually labeled as a red wine (because it's made from red Aglianico grapes), but looking like a rose and showing salmon coloring in the glass, see photo. Aromas of ripe summer fruits mingling with fresh flowers and slight minerality, then enhanced by flavors of sour cherries bringing a nice acidity to the table.

Macari Vineyards Rose 2008
Made from a blend of 45% Cabernet Franc, 30% Merlot, 14% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Pinot Noir, and 4% Malbec, this rose from the North Fork of Long Island shows colors of pale pink copper with fresh aromas of grapefruit, watermelon and some floral notes of hibiscus. The flavors range from white peach and sour apricot to orange zest, a hint of eucalyptus and a spot of papaya.

Cantele Salice Salentino Riserva 2003 DOC

This 85% Negroamaro, 15% Malvasia Nera red wine blend from the Puglia region of Italy is ruby colored with aromatic hints of tobacco and spice and slightly bitter flavors of cherry and cedar. From The Wine Room of Forest Hills.

Antico Fuoco Rosso

Still doing research on this one as far as whether it's from Puglia or Verona, but... wherever its from it's a good one! As far as I can tell it's made up of 60% Corvina with 40% Merlot grapes and aged in neutral barrels for 6 months. The wine menu indicated some Negroamaro in the blend but I couldn't confirm that fact.

The color is a deep purple and weighing in fairly hefty with consistency of light syrup. Aromas of summer fruits ripened on the vine, black currants and black cherry. The palate goes to marzipan and stewed fruits with a slightly bitter citrus edge, nicely balancing the dry acidity with mild tannins, reminding me of a Ripasso or Amarone because of its concentration of flavors. Chewy with lots of texture.

If you have more details about this one please comment below.