The Wine
A fun, fruitdriven version of southern Italy’s Salento (the region) Negroamaro (the grape – say ‘NEH grow ah MAH rho’ and you’ll come close). The wine balances Mediterranean warmth and freshness in a wine intended for near-term enjoyment.
Its aromatic enticements include fresh blackberry, wild cherry, and violet tones, accompanied by sweet spices, anise, and wildflowers. The Manduria region’s sandyclay soils lend elevated aromatics and a salinity that pulls this happy hour wine onto the dinner table as well.
The palate is medium-bodied and juicy, but with enough acidity to keep the fruit crisp and refreshing. Look for red fruits like pomegranate and cherry, accented with herbal notes. The finish highlights the wine’s salinity and is long and pleasant.
Parings: Chicken grilled or roasted with herbs. Tomato-based pasta/pizza. Charcuterie boards (esp with fennel Salami). Roasted vegetables, especially charred eggplant. Burgers!
The Winery
Masseria Cuturi is an historic estate in Manduria, in the heart of Puglias Salento peninsula(the heel of Italy’s ‘Boot’) – one of Italys most sundrenched and seainfluenced wine regions. The property is known for its organic farming, sandyclay soils, and a philosophy rooted in forgotten winemaking traditions.
The Zacinto bottling is named for the Massaro, the field manager who oversaw grape quality (and famously hid barrels of his favorite Negroamaro for himself!)
