Morasinsi Picco della Vigna 2018

Morasinsi is a natural-wine estate in Puglia, southern Italy, working with the region's native grapes and minimal intervention. Picco della Vigna blends Montepulciano and Nero di Troia, the latter a firmly tannic local variety that gives Puglian reds their structure and savoury backbone. The vineyards sit on the warm limestone plains of northern Puglia, where long sunshine ripens the fruit fully while the calcareous soil and altitude preserve freshness and keep the alcohol to a moderate 13 per cent. Made naturally with little added sulphur, the wine is aged eight months in separate containers rather than new oak, so the focus stays on unadorned fruit and texture. The colour is a bright ruby. The nose is fresh and savoury, with red cherry, raspberry, plum, dried Mediterranean herbs and a faint leathery, earthy edge. The palate is medium bodied, with juicy red fruit, firm but ripe tannin, good acidity and a spiced, savoury finish. Serve at 16 to 17 degrees in a standard red glass. It suits grilled meats, lamb and tomato-rich dishes.