100% Nero di Troia from 15-year-old vines planted on a southern exposure in clay soil at an elevation of 150 meters. Fermented in stainless steel and aged for 3 months. No oak. Troia translates as "Troy" and lies in northern Puglia. Legend has it that the town was founded by Diomedes, a hero of Virgil's Aeneid, who was among the Greeks holed up inside the Trojan horse. The grape is now scarce. Difficult to grow, vines were uprooted mainly by growers lacking passion, patience and resources to produce quality fruit.
A blend of black raspberries, cedar and spiced orange wafts up from the 2022 Nero di Troia. This is juicy in character, with brisk acidity propelling waves of ripe wild berry fruit. Violet inner florals resonate on the fresh, gently tannic finish.
The nose balances an astringent fruit element with earthy, umami, slightly spicy aromas of balsamic, herbs and pepper. The savory palate also features both warmth and astringency, before a spicy, salty, citrusy current flows into a bittersweet finish. Rigid yet enticing tannins provide depth.
This single-variety bottling of Puglia’s native nero di Troia is worth a try for its tangy seeded-berry flavors and lively acidity balanced by some appealing earthy undertones. For salumi or salty cheeses.
