According to the winery’s literature, the Passamante name comes from forest vegetation quite near the Negroamaro vineyard. Apparently the forest has long been a trysting place where lovers (amante) have passed. While the name and the story are charming, it may be that the forest itself imparts some aromatic qualities. The Aussies have actually studied how aromatic compounds of nearby trees can be found in grape skins, coming to the conclusion that the compounds are airborne. Whether from the forest vegetation, the grapes or the winemaking process, I actually did find lovely herbal aromatics in this wine before I read the story. Additionally, there’s plenty of robust black fruit layered with toasty notes and a trace of licorice followed by mellow tannins. For the price, who could ask for more?
Li Veli, Salice Salentino (Puglia, Italy) Negroamaro 2010
By Rebecca Murphy