It is easier than ever to travel and explore this January, and it won’t cost a fortune! All you have to do is make it to your local LCBO and you can get a taste of what they’re drinking in New Zealand, California, or in our case, southern Italy. This week we’ll be treading familiar ground by sipping a glass of San Marzano Negroamaro, but for many this could be an exploration into just what the Puglia region of Italy has to offer. Grab a glass and we’ll show you the way!
Tasting Notes: San Marzano Negroamaro (meaning “black” and “bitter”) opens with generous flavours of black currant and black plum, wild berries, spices and a hint of thyme. This soft, balanced wine lingers through a lengthy finish.
Enjoy With: Pastas, pizza, antipasti like Calabrese salami, mature cheeses or richer dishes like stews or slow roasted lamb and potatoes.
Style: A full-bodied, rich, smooth red wine.
Terroir/Region: If Italy is a boot, Puglia is the heel and coastal region moving north. Puglia produces over half of Italy’s olive oil alongside many of its best wine values. The two red specialties of the region are Negroamaro and Primitivo, both of which are perfectly matched against the hot Mediterranean sun and cool sea breezes which produce rich, balanced wines.
Producer: In 1962,19 grape growers from San Marzano combined their efforts to establish a co-op their families could be proud of, giving birth to Cantine San Marzano. Through the decades, this cooperative has grown using modern techniques to produce elegant wines, but without forgetting their obligation to the old Apulian wine traditions.
Availability: San Marzano Negroamaro is available in the Italy section of your local LCBO and for online ordering. Pick up a bottle and begin your exploration!
Check LCBO store inventory
Price: $8.75
LCBO #: 19697
Size: 750 mL
Alcohol Content: 13.5% alc./vol.
