Varvaglione, Salento IGP (Puglia, Italy) Negroamaro “12 e Mezzo” 2022 ($18, WINESU)

Negroamaro’s roots in Puglia stretch back to roughly 3000 years ago when Greek settlers arrived in the region from across the Adriatic Sea. Here we have a modern and fresh expression of the Negroamaro grape (which translates as ‘black’ (negro) and “bitter” (amaro), at 12.5 percent alcohol by volume. Despite the translation, there is no bitterness here. On the palate, persistent notes of vanilla enhance its velvety and soft flavor. This juicy Puglian red is far more beguiling than some of its traditional counterparts, with sweet black cherry and plum fruit notes and a touch of cocoa rounding out this succulent wine.
92 Miranda Franco