Zolla Salice Salentino 2022
A rich and inviting Puglian red with plush dark fruit, smooth tannins, and warm Mediterranean spice. Approachable yet structured with classic regional character.
From the Salice Salentino DOP region in Apulia, Italy, crafted by Vigneti del Salento, part of the Fantini Group.
This wine is a blend of two indigenous grape varieties, Negroamaro being the dominant grape, known for its deep colour, rich fruit flavours (dark berries, plums), and structured tannins, and Malvasia Nera which adds softness, aromatic complexity, and subtle spicy and floral notes. This combination creates a full-bodied, velvety, and well-balanced red wine, characteristic of the Salice Salentino DOP region.
Ripe blackberry, black cherry, and plum dominate the palate, layered with hints of dried figs and subtle bramble. Soft Mediterranean spice, gentle earthiness, and a touch of tobacco leaf add complexity, while underlying herbal notes and dusty minerals provide depth. The finish is warm, smooth, and persistent.
A versatile food wine, perfect for pairing with hearty Italian dishes or enjoying on its own. With an alcohol content of 14%, this wine is best enjoyed at 16-18°C, allowing its flavours to fully develop.
A perfect representation of Apulia’s rich winemaking tradition, offering a harmonious balance between fruitiness, spiciness, and elegance.
Italy
Apulia
Blend
750ml
14%
2022Zolla Salice Salentino 2022 comes from the historic Salice Salentino DOC in Puglia, the sun-drenched heel of Italy’s boot. This region is well known for producing robust, fruit-driven reds that balance warmth and ripeness with savoury depth and rustic charm.
Salice Salentino wines are traditionally built on Negroamaro, the native southern Italian variety prized for its deep colour, intense dark fruit, and earthy complexity. Grapes for Zolla are sourced from vineyards that benefit from abundant sunshine and cooling breezes from both the Adriatic and Ionian seas, which help to retain natural acidity and structure despite warm growing conditions.
Produced by a respected local estate focused on expressing the authenticity of Puglian terroir, Zolla showcases the region’s strengths: ripe, generous fruit, balanced acidity, and a textural richness that pairs beautifully with a range of robust cuisine.
A dry southern Italian red based largely on Negroamaro, offering dark fruit, herbs, spice, and a gently savoury finish. Compared with sweeter-fruited Primitivo styles, it feels slightly earthier and more food-oriented while remaining smooth and approachable.
In simple terms: a warm and savoury Italian red — dark-fruited, rustic-polished, and especially good with grilled meats and pasta dishes.
- Appearance: Deep ruby with garnet reflections.
- Nose: Ripe blackberry, black cherry, and plum with hints of dried fig, spice, and a touch of earth.
- Palate: Generous dark fruit balanced by Mediterranean spice, herbal notes, and soft earthy undertones.
- Texture: Smooth and rounded tannins with lively acidity providing structure and lift.
- Finish: Warm, persistent finish with lingering fruit and spice.
- Overall Impression: A vibrant and savoury Puglian red that marries ripe Mediterranean fruit with classic Salice Salentino spice and structure.
- Grilled Lamb or Merguez Sausage – Rich, savoury meats echo the wine’s dark fruit and spice.
- Braised Beef Ragu with Pappardelle – Slow-cooked depth mirrors the wine’s layered flavour and structure.
- Wood-Fired Pizza with Sausage and Peppers – Heartier pizza flavours match the wine’s warmth and fruit intensity.
- Roast Pork with Fennel – Aromatic herbs complement the wine’s spicy, earthy elements.
- Pecorino Pugliese or Aged Hard Cheeses – Salt and nuttiness enhance fruit concentration and mouthfeel.
- Serve at 16–18°C to allow its ripe fruit and spice nuances to fully express themselves.
- A decant of 20–30 minutes is recommended to open the bouquet and soften the tannins.
- Use a medium- to large-bowl red wine glass to maximise aeration, emphasise texture, and highlight aromatic depth.
- This vintage is delicious now but also benefits from another 2–4 years of careful cellaring if stored in cool, stable conditions.
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