Negra 2015 Negroamaro Salento Puglia Italy

A well-kept local secret, the tiny Salento peninsula, the ‘heel’ of the Italian ‘boot’, produces some of the most distinctive full bodied wines in all Italy. While a number of grape varietals are grown in the region, it is the indigenous Negroamaro that ensures Salento’s enduring fame. Dark purple, almost black, in color, Negroamaro grapes are drought resistant and grow best in dry Mediterranean climates. In fact, they’re rarely planted elsewhere because Salento’s hot days and breezy evenings create an unmatched climate for Negroamaro to thrive.

The Bosco Negra Negroamaro 2015 showcases this unique varietal, and displays the region’s expertise for Old World winemaking. Using an ancient cultivation method known as Alberello, the free-standing bush vines grow virtually wild without supporting irrigation. This allows for a free flow of light and air around the vines that help Negroamaro grapes achieve optimal ripeness. Once they reach that point, the grapes are meticulously picked by hand to select only those that will maximize the wine’s intensity and richness of flavor.

On the nose, vivid, expressive aromas are dominated by wild sun-dried fruits. These scents are complemented in the mouth by hints of plum, herbs, and smoke, which round out this rich, complex, and flavorful wine.