The excellent estate of La Casada is based at Caleo in the Puglianese region of southern Italy and this particular red is made from 100% Negroamaro (literally 'black-bitter') grapes from vineyards situated in Salento in the southern part of Apulia (the heel of Italy's boot) where vines have been cultivated since the 6th Century. The harvested and destemmed grapes are vinified within 7 days of maceration in order to extract colour and structure. Fermentation takes place in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks and the wine is therefore unoaked.
An inky purple in the glass. Smoky and savoury aromas of black tea and tar. On the palate serious and smooth with dark savoury berry notes and sweetly textured tannins. The finish is short. Great with a pepperonata stew of garlic, red peppers and tomatoes, aubergines stuffed with pecorino cheese, anchovies and tomatoes or tagliatelli with chick peas.