Petrilli Cacc’e Mmitte Motta del Lupo 2022

Petrilli is an organic estate near Foggia in northern Puglia, run by Paolo Petrilli, who has done much to raise the profile of the small Cacc'e Mmitte di Lucera denomination. Motta del Lupo is a field style blend of the local red Uva di Troia and Sangiovese with a portion of the white Bombino, an old regional practice that lightens and freshens the red. The Tavoliere plain of Foggia is warm and sunny, which ripens Uva di Troia fully, though its naturally high acidity and firm tannin keep the wine structured rather than jammy. Fermentation and ageing take place in stainless steel, a neutral, temperature controlled vessel that preserves bright fruit and freshness without any oak influence. It is farmed organically and the wine is vegan. Colour is medium ruby. The nose shows red cherry, red berries and plum with dried herbs, pepper and a touch of earth. The palate is medium bodied, balanced and elegant, with fresh acidity, fine but present tannin and a clean, savoury finish. Serve at around sixteen degrees, with grilled and roast meats or tomato based dishes.