Tagaro Mancinello Nero di Troia 2023

Tagaro works in Puglia, in the warm south of Italy, with Nero di Troia, a native grape grown mainly in the north of the region. Nero di Troia ripens late and unevenly, holding on to firm tannin and fresh acidity even in this hot, dry Mediterranean climate, which gives it more grip and structure than the softer Primitivo. The red, iron-rich soils over limestone drain freely and keep yields in check, concentrating the dark fruit and spice. After fermentation the wine ages eight months in oak barrels, where oxygen passing slowly through the wood softens and shapes the tannins, while malolactic conversion rounds the acidity and the barrel adds vanilla and toast. The colour is deep, near opaque ruby. The nose shows dark plum and cherry, black pepper, liquorice and a savoury edge over oak spice. The palate is full bodied at fifteen percent, firmer and more structured than the region's Primitivo, with grippy ripe tannins, fresh acidity and a long, peppery finish. Serve at 16 to 18 degrees and decant ahead of roast and grilled red meats.