Negroamaro is one of Italy's most ancient and revered grape varieties, primarily grown in the Puglia region, the heel of Italy's boot. The name itself is derived from two words: "negro" meaning black, and "amaro" meaning bitter, alluding to the grape's deep color and its unique flavor profile. This rustic varietal has thrived in the Mediterranean climate, with its hot summers and cool, breezy nights, yielding wines of depth and character.
Often, Negroamaro wines exhibit notes of dark cherries, prunes, tobacco, and sometimes even hints of cocoa. With its medium to full-bodied nature, it pairs wonderfully with hearty dishes such as stews, roasted meats, and mature cheeses. Its versatility and captivating flavor profile have made it a beloved choice among wine enthusiasts, seeking a taste of Italy's rich viticultural heritage. Whether enjoyed young or aged, Negroamaro promises a sensory journey through the tapestry of Italian winemaking.
Negroamaro is a captivating red wine grape variety indigenous to Southern Italy, specifically from the Puglia region. Its name intriguingly combines two words: "negro," indicating black, and "amaro," signifying bitter. These terms hint at the grape's deeply tinted hue and its distinctive flavor. Negroamaro wines are often described as having robust and rounded profiles, with aromatic notes that range from dark berries and cherries to spiced undertones, sometimes even touching upon elements of tobacco and cocoa. This ancient varietal carries with it the rich history and tradition of the Italian winemaking landscape, presenting an authentic taste of the Mediterranean.
The Puglia region, often referred to as the heel of Italy's boot, is the primary home for the Negroamaro grape. Among the sub-regions in Puglia, Salento, and more specifically areas like Salice Salentino and Brindisi, have gained repute for producing top-tier Negroamaro wines. The region's warm Mediterranean climate, with its hot sunlit days and breezy nights, creates an optimal environment for the grape to thrive. The calcareous and clayey soils here play a pivotal role, imparting unique mineral characteristics to the wines, enhancing their depth and complexity.
While Negroamaro has been traditionally used as a blending grape, in recent years, it has increasingly been celebrated as a standalone varietal. Some renowned producers from the Puglia region have showcased the potential of this grape. Among them, wines from Salice Salentino DOC have garnered significant attention. Labels such as Leone de Castris and Cantine Due Palme are notable examples. These wines usually showcase the grape's hallmark qualities – a balance of fruit-forwardness with earthy and spicy undertones, encapsulating the essence of the Puglian terroir.
For wine enthusiasts looking to explore the elegance of Negroamaro without breaking the bank, the Puglia region offers a plethora of options. Given the region's abundant production, it's possible to find wines that deliver exceptional value. Some of the best value Negroamaro wines come from cooperative wineries in the region, where local growers unite to produce wines that balance quality with affordability. The resulting wines are not just budget-friendly, but they also provide a genuine representation of the varietal's characteristic traits.
Negroamaro wines, with their hearty and bold profiles, naturally pair best with dishes that match their intensity. Think of traditional Italian fare like rich pasta sauces, especially those with meat, roasted or grilled lamb, and aged cheeses. The wine's dark fruit notes beautifully complement dishes with tomatoes or red peppers. Moreover, the subtle earthiness of Negroamaro makes it an ideal partner for dishes featuring mushrooms or truffles. The inherent versatility of Negroamaro also allows it to pair seamlessly with a range of cuisines, from Mediterranean mezzes to spicy Indian curries. Its deep flavors and structured tannins can elevate any dining experience, bridging the gap between food and wine in harmonious unity.
We aim to have all wines be vintage specific. In the case the listed vintage is out of stock and you note you would like that particular vintage, we will inform you via email for approval to go ahead.
Delivery Times
To be able to supply such a unique & extensive range of boutique wines, we don't hold much of the inventory. So with us, there is the added step of receiving the wine from our local suppliers before it is dispatched to you. Most orders are dispatched within 3-6 working days.
Quality Guarantee
Replacement or refund offered if bottles are faulty or damaged. All our deliveries are insured against loss, however you must notify us in a reasonable amount of time.
Sending a Gift
If you would like to include a gift message with your order, please enter that in the order instructions section. We'll print your message in a lovely font on A5 paper. We also won't include the invoice. Tracking will be sent to the email on file.
We aim to have all wines be vintage specific. In the case the listed vintage is out of stock and you note you would like that particular vintage, we will inform you via email for approval to go ahead.
To be able to supply such a unique & extensive range of boutique wines, we don't hold much of the inventory. So with us, there is the added step of receiving the wine from our local suppliers before it is dispatched to you. Most orders are dispatched within 3-6 working days.
Replacement or refund offered if bottles are faulty or damaged. All our deliveries are insured against loss, however you must notify us in a reasonable amount of time.
If you would like to include a gift message with your order, please enter that in the order instructions section. We'll print your message in a lovely font on A5 paper. We also won't include the invoice. Tracking will be sent to the email on file.