Characteristics: Rocca dei Mori 2004 Salice Salentino, Italy

Follow the long Italian leg down to the heel and you’ve found Apuglia. Under these Mediterranean conditions, many regions thrive but Salice Salentino reigns supreme among the DOC for its deep reds made from Negroamaro. “Black bitter” doesn’t translate so well but the wines coming from this variety convey a great spectrum of flavor, depth and complexity. Rocca dei Mori’s is certainly the most promising for generous development over time in a cellar because of a sure but polished tannin, its panoply of cola spice, oranges, cloves, blue and blackberries. Juicy acids, mouth filling fruit, high toned spice and a full scented finish, make for a treat now or later. With 10% Malvasia nera di Lecce and 10% Malvasia nera di Brindisi, Rocca dei Mori’s Salice Salentino possesses more complexity than any strait Negroamaro would otherwise bear.; it’s unlike anything out there and a truly winning experience.
- Tasting review by Nicholas D. Livingston