2007 Epicuro Salice Salentino (86 Points)

DATE CONSUMED

Sunday, October 16, 2011

VINTAGE

2007

WINERY/PRODUCER

Epicuro

WINE NAME

Salice Salentino

TYPE OF WINE

Red Blend

COMPOSITION

80% Negroamaro, 20% Malvasia Nera

SUBNAME/NICKNAME

N/A

VINEYARD DESIGNATION

N/A

REGION/A.V.A.

Somewhere in Italy

ALCOHOL CONTENT

13%

PRICE PAID

$4.99

WHERE/WHEN BOUGHT AND/OR HOW PROCURED

Bought this bottle at Trader Joes after reading about this producer in their monthly newsletter (The Fearless Flyer).

BOUQUET

The nose for this wine is quite acidic and classically Italian (earthy, spicy, with dark fruit).  The bouquet is slightly similar to an old-vine Zinfandel, as a reference.

TASTING NOTES

Up-front Disclosure: I have very little experience with true Italian wines (I’ve had plenty of Cal-Ital wines, but very few that actually were produced in Italy).  And of course, I have, as far as I know, ZERO experience with the two varietals used in this blend.  According to Wikipedia, this blend (and the use of both varietals) is a very common practice in Puglia and especially in Salento, located in the “heel” of Italy.

The one thing I like about Italian wines (ok, well, at least Cal-Ital wines) is their tannic, earthy, spicy nature.  This blend is quite similar to Zinfandel and/or Syrah; the first noticeable trait is spices, especially black pepper and herbaceous herbs.  Closely following the spiciness are black/dark fruits, especially blackberries, black cherries, and plums.  Next up is that classic earthiness, also known as “that fabulous Italian volcanic soil.”  Along with the influence of volcanic dust is a woodsy, oaky confluence that adds a vanilla-type sweetness.  The tannins, though obviously present and accounted for (like any self-respecting Italian wine), are remarkably smooth and well-integrated.  I’ve had Italian varietals/blends where the tannins almost put me into a tannic coma.  Like a well-structured Zin or Syrah, the tannins in this wine are just about perfect (for a “true” Italian wine, at least)!  The wine is medium-bodied and at 13% alcohol, this wine screams “I go GREAT with food!”  The finish is smooth and fairly elegant and lingers, just like the tannins, for the perfect amount of time.  For a “cheap” wine, this blend has remarkable complexity.  I’ve had $50 bottles that weren’t half as good as this!

At $5 a bottle, this wine overachieves to the point of ridiculousness.  I cannot imagine how this winery makes any money by retailing this wine at this price point.  If you like spicy (especially if you have a black pepper “thing” like I do), earthy, well-balanced wines like I do, you could do a LOT worse that this bottle. 

PAIRING SUGGESTIONS

We had this wine with penne and a beef shank and Italian sausage ragu.  The wine went very well with the pasta and would pair equally well with just about any dish that a good Zin or Syrah would go well with; i.e. a steak smothered in freshly-cracked black pepper, a spiced pork loin, or an Italian cheese plate.

AGING POTENTIAL

This wine is drinking very well right now and would probably age and mature well for another 10 years or so.

SCORE

86 Points

Q.P.R. (QUALITY-TO-PRICE RATIO) (POOR, FAIR, GOOD, EXCELLENT)

GOOD to EXCELLENT

WINERY WEBSITE

Unknown