San Marzano Negroamaro F 2021

Cellar for up to 12 years. No need to decant before serving. Set in the heart of the Primitivo di Manduria appellation, Cantine San Marzano was founded some fifty years ago by 19 local winemakers in the winery’s namesake village. San Marzano occupies an excellent setting in between the Ionian and Adriatic seas where cooling breezes help to moderate the hot Mediterranean summers. This provides perfect conditions for making hearty, full-bodied reds from Primitivo and Negroamaro balanced by freshness and aromatics thanks to the proximity to the coast. Their Negroamaro F is crafted from three vineyards in Contrada Monte La Conca planted with particularly old Negroamaro vines. The plots sit on the region’s classic red soils which are high in iron oxide and have bush vines which are carefully harvested by hand using small baskets. Once in the winery the grapes are vinified using wild yeasts and then aged in French and Caucasian oak barrels for 12 months. The result is a luscious wine with a inky purple red hue and enticing aromas of cherry jam, cassis and blackberries. On the palate there is a generous full body, smooth and ripe tannins, and a gentle streak of freshness which brings balance. It’s a great wine to pair with all types of red meats, charcuterie and game as well as tomato-based pasta dishes.

Price: £25.50 from 8wines UK