Leone de Castris Maiana Rosso Salice Salentino – A True Taste of Italy For Under 10 Bucks

90% Negroamaro and 10% Malvasia Nera Salice Salentino from Puglia, Italy.

Available for as low as $8.99.

From the bottle:

“Crafted from 90% Negroamaro and 10% Malvasia Nera grapes grown on 30 year old vines. Distinctive ruby red in color with characteristic aromas of plum and vanilla spice. The fruit and tannins are well integrated in this full bodied round wine. Enjoy with savory appetizers, roasted meats and cheeses.

13.0% Alcohol”

Today’s wine comes from the area of Italy (Puglia and Salento in particular) that make up the heel of the boot of Italy. The grape Negroamaro, which makes up 90% of today’s wine, has been grown almost exclusively in this area for hundreds of years and is the primary variety used to create the Salice Salentino (SAH-le-chay Sahl-ehn-TEEN-oh) wines. Negroamaro can be a highly tannic and bitter wine which is why the softer Malvasia Nera grapes are added to complete the blend. When done well you end up with a very nice, very affordable wine that is distinctly Italian in character.

The 2008 Leone de Castris Maiana Rosso Salice Salentino Red Wine begins with an excellent, enticing aroma of blackberry, plum, spice, caramel and a little smoked meat. Tasting this medium-bodied wine reveals a smooth, dry and rich textture featuring lots of savory blackberry and plum. You’ll also find hints of vanilla, caramel and smoked meat much like the bouquet. It ends with a nice bit of spice while the fruit turns a bit tart. Wonderful, especially for less than $10!

See a listing of local retailers selling this wine here.

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