Ripe red fruits, mulling spices, and underbrush open on the nose. This medium-bodied wine is complex with round tannins and integrated acidity. Black cherry, black caps, and herbed raspberry jam segue into light notes of underbrush and bramble on the finish.

ABOUT THE WINE

The Falvo family, the namesake behind Masseria Li Veli winery in Salento, Italy, founded the Contrade brand in 2015. The word contrade is used in southern Italy to refer to vineyard parcels that have held recognized names for many, many years. These parcels are delineated by rows of trees, stone walls, creeks, etc. The majority of Masseria Li Veli vineyards are in Contrada Veli, which has been identified by name since the 17th century.

Contrade works with small, local growers (in other nearby contrade) to craft wines made from Negroamaro, Malvasia, and Chardonnay grapes. Wines are produced near the location in which they were grown, and then transferred to Masseria Li Veli to be blended and bottled.

The Negroamaro grapes for this wine are grown on clay with calcareous substrates and limestone rock.

Salento is located between the Adriatic Sea and Ionian Sea, and experiences a breezy Mediterranean climate with mild winters and hot summers. Negroamaro translates to “black” and “bitter,” referring to the grape’s dark skin and innate earthy bitterness. It is native to southern Italy and grown almost exclusively in Puglia.

Charcuterie, Cheese, Chicken/Turkey, Fish-full flavored (salmon/tuna), Grilled preparations, Hearty stew, Mexican, Mushrooms, Pizza, Red Meat, Roasted Root Vegetables, Slow-smoked Barbeque/BBQ Sauce, Spicy Food, Tapas, Tomato Sauce, Vegetables