I’m really committed to getting my “Pick Of The Month” published every month this year. I’ve been a bit sporadic in the past, so I need to clean up my act and get after it.
I think I’ve gone to Spanish wines for my pick more often than any other place in the world. I really don’t know how they do it, producing such great wine at insanely cheap prices. However, this month I’ve found something out of Italy and it is exceptional for the money. Reigning from the well-known region of Puglia, this is an IGT Red with the Salento moniker. Salento is a sub-region of Puglia and this is where one can find some great values. One of the grapes used extensively in this area is Negroamaro which is translated the black bitter. My pick is straight-up Negroamaro….
2020 Contrade Negroamaro (Salento, Italy)… $10.
Black plums and boysenberries on the nose, with an edge of licorice and chocolate. Plum and boysenberry notes up front on the palate supported by soft tannins. The acidity is well-integrated and gives the wine a lift on the mid-palate. Chocolate and earth notes lie underneath the front to finish where a kiss of worn leather joins the palate party. This little gem has nice depth and complexity for the money. I tried it after being open for two days and it actually got better, which is a testament to the quality. Ten bucks is a stupid price for what you get. (B-/B)
