Tagaro Sei Caselle 2024

Tagaro works in Puglia, and this wine comes from Salice Salentino, a DOC in the Salento peninsula at the southern tip of the region built on Negroamaro. Negroamaro, whose name points to its dark colour and slightly bitter edge, thrives in the hot, dry Mediterranean climate, with sea breezes from two coastlines moderating the heat and the red, iron-rich soils over limestone draining freely to concentrate the fruit. The grape gives a full-bodied red with ripe dark fruit balanced by a savoury, herbal bitterness that keeps it fresh. The wine ages four months in oak barrels, a lighter touch that softens the tannins and adds a little vanilla and spice while keeping the fruit and the grape's character to the fore. The colour is deep ruby. The nose shows ripe plum and cherry, dried Mediterranean herbs, black pepper and earth. The palate is full bodied and warming, with ripe, soft tannins, fresh acidity and a long, savoury finish carrying that characteristic bitter-edged length. Serve at 16 to 18 degrees with grilled and roasted meats and hearty vegetable dishes.