1 May 2019 Discovering the San Marzano Wines of Puglia

Discovering the San Marzano Wines of Puglia

May 1, 2019 By

In the past, when I thought of San Marzano, I thought of ripe, juicy, flavor-packed tomatoes. Now, San Marzano Wines (http://www.sanmarzanowines.com/en) also come to mind.

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Photo by San Marzano Wines

San Marzano Wines is a prominent Puglian producer, creating wines with true to their regional characteristics. Situated in the Primitivo di Manduria DOP, San Marzano is a wine cooperative (cantine) that was established in 1962, when 19 vine growers from San Marzano di San Giuseppe— whose families had farmed the land for generations—joined forces to maximize their efforts. Today, San Marzano continues a philosophy of balancing longstanding traditions with modern techniques and has over 1,200 vine growers across more than 3,500 acres of vineyards.

San Marzano Wines are focused on highlighting the region’s traditional varieties, primarily Primitivo, Negroamaro and Malvasia Nera (plus some others). The cantine weaves tradition, passion and modern techniques to produce a range that highlights the character of each grape and the terroir.

2015 Anniversario 62 Primitivo di Manduria

The Anniversario 62 Primitivo di Manduria is 100% Primitivo, and its name celebrates the year that San Marzano was launched. This is a big boy and while nice now with some decanting, it shows the aging potential of this wine.

Looks: Intense ruby in the glass

Smell: Stone fruit, jammy cherries with notes of mocha

Taste: Black cherry jam, with notes of licorice and coffee

Texture and Finish: Full-bodied, rich tannins, dry long finish

Pairings: Beef/lamb/game (think Pappardelle with pork ragu)

Style: Red Wine

Grape Type(s): 100% Primitivo

Region: Puglia, Italy

Price: $33.99

2015 Il Pumo Negroamaro Salento IGP

Il Pumo Negroamaro Salento IGP is named after pumo clay pottery very popular in the region and the clay soils the wines in the Salento peninsula are grown in. This budget-friendly wine is great during the week, with takeout pizza or on its own.

Looks: Purple/red in the glass

Smell: Bright red berries with floral notes

Taste: Ripe red berries/fruit with some plum and a little spice on the finish

Texture and Finish: Medium-bodied, velvety texture, great acidity, medium finish

Pairings: Grilled red meat, pizza, antipasto, cheese plate

Style: Red Wine

Grape Type(s): 100% Negroamaro

Region: Puglia, Italy

Price: $8.99

Cheers,

Veronique

These wines were provided to me for sampling and I am adding them to my repertoire as they’re truly enjoyable.

Filed Under: Italy, Wine Reviews Tagged With: , , , , , ,
12 May 2013 2009 Villa Puccini Toscana

2009 Villa Puccini Toscana

May 12, 2013 By

2009 Villa Puccini Toscana$10 Sangiovese that’s actually good – yes, it’s possible. Medium-bodied Italian wine with a great plum nose. Fruit-forward, rich flavors. Super table wine.

Pairings: Pasta with red sauce, macaroni and cheese, roasts

Style: Red Wine

Grape Type(s): 90% Sangiovese and 10% Merlot

Region: Tuscany, Italy

Price: $10

Filed Under: Italy, Merlot, Red Wine, Sangiovese, Wine Reviews Tagged With: , ,
18 July 2012 2010 Villa Calcinaia Comitale Grechetto

2010 Villa Calcinaia Comitale Grechetto

July 18, 2012 By

Had this wine with both lobster pasta and grilled Branzino and it complimented the dishes perfectly.

In the glass, this Tuscan wine is pale yellow with a slight greenish tint.  On the nose, it’s very faint, almost non-existent.  In the mouth, it’s delicate with fruity aromas of green apple and pear with bright acidity for a crisp finish.   Really enjoyable.

Pairings:  Seafood, grilled fish or chicken.  Pasta with olive oil and garlic.

Style: White

Grape Type(s): 90% Grechetto and 10% Vernaccia

Region: Tuscany, Italy

Around $15

 

Filed Under: Grechetto, Italy, White Wine Tagged With: , , , , , , ,
19 June 2012 2009 Castello Di Camigliano Rosso di Montalcino

2009 Castello Di Camigliano Rosso di Montalcino

June 19, 2012 By

Paired this Tuscan wine with my cheese course at a recent dinner party and it matched up well.  Lighter and fruitier than its counterpart, Brunello di Montalcino, this wine didn’t overwhelm the mild soft cheeses and stood up to the stinkier, riper ones.

In the glass, the 2009 Castello Di Camigliano Rosso di Montalcino is vibrant red and it offers bright fruit on the nose.  In the mouth, it’s well-balanced with a dark berry mixed with mushroomy/earthy flavors.  Meant to be drunk young, this affordable wine can be served on a Tuesday night with pizza or at a party with more complex dishes.

Pairings:  Grilled chicken or pork, cheese course, pasta with red sauce.

Style: Red

Grape Type(s): Sangiovese

Region: Tuscany, Italy

Around $22

 

Filed Under: Italy, Red Wine, Sangiovese, Wine Reviews Tagged With: , , , , ,
27 April 2012 2009 Coltibuono Chianti Classico

2009 Coltibuono Chianti Classico

April 27, 2012 By

This Italian wine is vibrant red in the glass.  The 2009 Coltibuono Chianti Classico offer spiced red berries on the nose and big berry flavors on the palate with a little chocolate and some earthiness.  Nice level of acidity and long, pleasant finish.

Pairings:  Pasta and red sauce. Grilled meats.

Style: Red

Grape Type(s): Sangiovese

Region: Tuscany, Italy

Around $15.

 

Filed Under: Italy, Red Wine, Sangiovese, Wine Reviews Tagged With: , , , , , ,