Salento, the southernmost region of Italy's southeastern corner within Puglia, sits like the heel in Italy's boot. This unique location, one of the warmest in Italy's peninsula, offers a treasure trove of unctuous, full-bodied, and spicy red wines that provide remarkable value. The talented winemakers at Verso, situated in the heart of Salento near the town of Lecce, masterfully craft wines that epitomize the region's character. Here, the Negroamaro red grape reigns supreme. Despite its name, which translates to 'bitter and black,' in the skilled hands of producers like Verso, Negroamaro delivers smoky, enigmatic, dark, and intriguing flavours. Notes of dark chocolate, coffee, warming vanilla, and dried figs are part of its complex profile.
This particular wine is a blend of Negroamaro, Primitivo, and Malvasia Nera, sourced from selected vineyards and harvested at the beginning of October to ensure optimal maturation. After the grape pressing, the wine embarks on an extended maceration on the skins to extract maximum richness. It then matures for 3-4 months in oak before being bottled.
The result is a wine that exudes richness, lusciousness, and a warm invitation to the palate. It unfolds with flavours of ripe plums, raisins, dark chocolate, and a harmonious touch of spice. It boasts a full-bodied, mouth-filling texture with a velvety character, and its sweet dark fruit notes are beautifully balanced by subtle bramble undertones and well-integrated tannins. This wine offers a highly approachable and delightful drinking experience.