L’Archetipo Niuru Maru Salento 2022

L'Archetipo is a synergistic farm in Castellaneta, in the heart of Puglia, run by agronomist Francesco Valentino Dibenedetto and his family. Niuru Maru is made from Negroamaro, the dark-skinned grape whose name means bitter black and which defines the reds of Salento, the warm coastal plain that forms the heel of Italy. The hot Mediterranean climate ripens the fruit deeply while the influence of two nearby seas tempers the heat and keeps freshness. The wine spent six months in stainless steel followed by three months in oak barrels, the steel preserving fruit and the short barrel stage adding structure and a savoury edge without heavy wood character. The colour is bright ruby. The nose shows ripe plum and cherry, red berries, black pepper and a hint of tobacco. The palate is full and warm, with ripe dark fruit, firm but rounded tannin, liquorice and an earthy, savoury finish typical of the grape. At 13.5 percent it has weight and length while keeping the biodynamic farming's freshness. Serve at 16 to 17 degrees with grilled red meat, lamb or hard cheese.