Castello Monaci Negroamaro Maru 2024

Castello Monaci sits in Salento, the stretch of Puglia that forms the heel of southern Italy, along the Adriatic coast. The winery works with native varieties and traditional methods, and its cellars are built from the local tuff stone. Maru is made from Negroamaro, the signature dark grape of the Salento plains, whose name translates as black and bitter. The hot, dry Mediterranean climate, tempered by sea breezes, ripens the fruit fully and gives the wine its generous body and ripe character, while the variety's natural acidity and gentle bitter twist keep it savoury rather than jammy. After fermentation the wine sees a period in wood, which rounds the tannin and adds a light spice without masking the fruit. It is deep ruby, with black cherry, plum and dark berry on the nose over black pepper, dried herbs and a tobacco note. The palate is full and warm, with soft, ripe tannin, moderate acidity and a long finish carrying that characteristic bitter-savoury edge. Serve at around 17 degrees. A natural partner for grilled meats, baked pasta and tomato-rich southern Italian cooking.