San Marzano F Metal Label Negroamaro 2021

Grapes for the San Marzano ‘F Metal Label’ Negroamaro come from a vineyard in Contrada di Monte la Conca, situated at 100 metres elevation. The climate here is characterised by high temperatures all year round, with little rainfall and a wide diurnal temperature range which leads to concentrated fruit with lovely balance. The vines are Alberello trained; the traditional Apulian practice of cultivating head-trained bush vines, which guarantees low yields, excellent quality and great phenolic concentration. The grapes were hand-harvested slightly overripe. At the winery the wine went through malolactic conversion to soften the palate, before being aged in 225-litre French and Caucasian oak barrels for 12 months.

This is a rich and velvety red wine delivering an intriguing bouquet of violets and sweet plummy fruit, layered with hints of cocoa, tobacco and liquorice. The palate is concentrated and balanced, with a long, satisfying finish.