Deep ruby color; raspberry, spice, cherry, rosemary, vanilla on the nose; raspberry, plum, blackcurrant, black cherry, blackberry, chocolate on the palate.
Dry; medium-plus body; somewhat rustic, firm tannins—benefits significantly and becomes supple with decanting and air time in glass. With some air—and seven years in bottle in this case—the wine takes on silky mouthfeel. Moderate acidity. Strong, fruity dark fruits will please those who enjoy rich, distinctive red wines. 13.5% ABV
This is made with nero di troia grape variety, one almost exclusively found in Puglia, the wine region in the boot of Italy. The vines can be a challenge to grow, but growers in the Castel del Monte region northwest of Bari figured out how to do it, earning DOCG classification for riserva in 2011. Torrevento is one of those makers. In particular, the Castel del Monte makers learned to cultivate clones with smaller berries and carefully harvest to avoid unripe grapes which give nero di troia wine herbaceous notes. This refined farming is how Castel del Monte earned DOCG status and creates outstanding wines.
That said and its reputations steadily improving, nero di troia remains the third-most important grape in Puglia, behind primitivo di manduria and negroamaro. Those two grapes are more produced and better known, but nero di troia is proving more nuanced and subtle, especially with improving farming and harvest techniques. Watch this space for this ascending Italian/Puglia varietal.
Torrevento Castel del Monte Vigna Pedale Rosso Riserva DOCG 2016 is rich, complex, harmoniously balanced red made with nero di troia grapes from Puglia in the boot of Italy. Nicely persistent finish. Somewhat obscure grape well worth you discovering, especially if you enjoy rich reds paired with hearty beef dishes. Pair with rich meat dishes; rich pasta dishes with red sauces; risotto; lasagna; lamb; wild game; grilled chicken and pork; barbecue, meat-lover pizza; cured meats—salami. Cheese—aged and medium-aged hard cheeses. $14-20
