San Moro Negroamaro 2022
The Wine
The San Moro Negro on the nose displays black currants and wild, forest-like black fruits are edged with a touch of raspberry, thyme, and dried bay leaves. The entry is ripe and lush, sweeping across the palate with beautiful, sweet dark fruits. The finish tightens with fine, silty tannins and a burst of refreshing acidity. It's warm and lively, a quintessential example of its variety. It embodies the warmth of its southern origins wonderfully, yet it never seems overdone or overly extracted. It offers everything one could desire at this level, and much more.
The Details
Variety - Negroamaro
Country - Italy
Region - Puglia
Sub Region - Salento
Extra - Cork
Year - 2022
Volume - 750ml
About the Wine Maker
Cantine San Marzano, a cooperative established in the 1960s, has been dedicated to Primitivo and Negroamaro since its beginning. It all started in the town of San Marzano, on a piece of land nestled between the seas of Puglia. With just 19 growers, their ambition was to introduce the region's wines to the world. Now, over six decades later, President Francesco Cavallo, along with Winemakers Caterina Bellanova and Davide Ragusa, continue to fulfill that vision.
Currently, they showcase a range of classic Puglian varieties. However, their Primitivo and Negroamaro remain the most esteemed. Positioned a mere 100 meters above sea level, the vines bask in the warm southern sun, yielding a rich and flavorful Negroamaro that represents exceptional value.
They source grapes from various sites, many situated on densely planted plots of 4000-5000 vines per hectare with poor, rocky, clay soils that naturally regulate vigor and yields. Additionally, old vine material plays a crucial role, with many vines being over 40 years old.
The winery is a blend of tradition and modernity, equipped with cutting-edge technology and facilities. The team is devoted to crafting what they believe are the traditional expressions of the region's wines, while also incorporating modern techniques. This approach includes minimal, if any, oak usage and the employment of steel tanks and temperature-controlled fermentation to maintain the wines' freshness and vibrancy.
While their reds are certainly noteworthy, the Fiano from San Marzano deserves special recognition. It perfectly embodies the varietal's characteristic richness and texture, balanced with crisp acidity. This wine is a favorite among the staff at headquarters and delivers exceptional quality for its price.
These wines brilliantly reflect the warmth, spirit, and essence of the region, combining contemporary style with homage to the generations that have shaped their legacy.