Deep ruby color; plum, black cherry, blackberry, raspberry, tobacco, leather, violets on the nose and palate.
Dry; soft tannins and acidity. Medium-plus body. Made exclusively from Nero di Troia grapes. The grape primarily is grown in Puglia in the boot of Italy. Its main job was as blender, but has enjoyed a revival as a varietal—this effort. The wine aged eight months in concrete, then 12 months in oak botti (very large barrels typically made with Slavonian oak). Such a regimen produces slower, more gradual oxidation, less oak notes, and showcases the fruit. 13.5% ABV
Nero di troia grapes 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.
Nero di troia is 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 Ottagono Castel del Monte Nero Di Troia Riserva, Puglia, Italy DOCG 2014 is smooth, fruity, round expression of a somewhat rare grape from Puglia region in the boot of Italy. Intense dark fruit with amiable tannins and acidity. Excellent value. Pair with pasta dishes with beef and tomato sauces; lasagna. Beef dishes roasted, grilled, braised. Veal—Milanese osso buco. Lamb—grilled lamb chops. Pizza with spicy salami. Wild game—venison, deer sausage, boar. Charcuterie board with cured meats, aged cheeses. Cheese—parmigiano-reggiano, aged pecorino, aged provolone, gorgonzola, caciocavallo, aged cheddar. $25
