Daisywine Consulting » pesto http://www.daisywine.com Fri, 02 Apr 2010 01:20:46 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=abc en hourly 1 Salento Wines http://www.daisywine.com/salento/ http://www.daisywine.com/salento/#comments Sun, 12 Apr 2009 16:31:37 +0000 DaisyWine http://www.daisywine.com/?p=443 Have you ever enjoyed the hospitality of an elderly Italian woman: The type who repeated “Mangia, mangia” (Eat, eat) until you were over-stuffed with food? Traditionally having guests equates cooking.  Many of these women take pride in seeing their food enjoyed by loved ones. Well, just as that sweet (but admittedly pushy) old woman enticed [...]]]> Have you ever enjoyed the hospitality of an elderly Italian woman: The type who repeated “Mangia, mangia” (Eat, eat) until you were over-stuffed with food? Traditionally having guests equates cooking.  Many of these women take pride in seeing their food enjoyed by loved ones. Well, just as that sweet (but admittedly pushy) old woman enticed you to eat, wines from Salento will invite you to explore many Italian recipes.Salento is the southeastern portion of the Italian region of Puglia (aka Apulia). It is most commonly known as the heel of the Italian boot. With the Adriatic Sea to the East and the Ionian to the South, the ocean-like climate of Salento provides grapes with consistently warm days, cool evenings and nutrient rich soil.

The Salento region has been planting the negroamaro grape for centuries. Wines made with this grape have a rich ruby red color and distinct nose . With scents of red berries, Mediterranean herbs, and a bit of earthy dampness, these bouquets cause the mouth to water in anticipation for a sip. Many mouths will agree this build up is well worth the wait once they experience the soft and smooth palate bursting with flavors of pear, fresh plums and dried prunes. Negroamaro wines are dry, balanced and full-bodied. The finish demonstrates a slight bitterness which lays the groundwork for supple and easy pairing with many Italian foods.

Salice Salentino is one of the most popular DOCs located in Puglia and is a community in Salento. Pronounced Sa-lee-chee Sal-en-teeno, it is primarily made with the negroamaro grape. In addition to this DOC, Salento also has an IGT with its namesake. The negroamaro wines from this growing area are just as warm and inviting and can often be found for a few dollars cheaper than the Salice Salentino DOC wines.

You should have similar experiences with most any wines from this DOC or IGT. Some specific examples that should be easy to find are the Taurino Salice Salentino, 2004
and the No. Zero Negroamaro IGT Salento, 2006.

Either of these wines will share the warm and inviting “Italian grandmother” personality that will encourage you to enjoy various Italian favorites from a classic salami and sharp provolone sandwich to tortellini tossed in Danny’s Pesto.

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