Giardinelli's Salice Salentino DOC 2006, Puglia

Giardinelli’s 2006 Salice Salentino D.O.C., Puglia, Italy

Dinner at the Lord Nelson, Brightwell Baldwin, Oxfordshire. Served with Escalope of Veal with Parma ham, mozzarella, tomatoes and basil. Stared with the house Champagne with Tempura king prawns and sweet chilli sauce. Issued from 90% Negroamaro and 10% Malvasia Nera, 13% alc. I am a huge fan of the Negroamaro. And I have pledged to re-visit Puglia this year and explore it properly.  I love the huge collision between Negroamaro’s big, ripe fruit and its dark bitterness. It is black and brooding and unabashedly itself – a Greek tragedy hero - no compromising. This producer does not disappoint. It is a solid example: cherries, stewed figs, plums. Well-balanced – tannins are well-structured and the wine is not too alcoholic, it is fresh and lively, and allows its Puglian personality to seduce. Think of swaying willow trees, their roots clawing deep into muddy, clay soil, and ocean breezes tinged with olives and wild herbs…