When I lived in Cambridge there was an amazing wine shop called Cambridge Wine Merchants. They had a very strong wine selection from France, Italy and Spain (Portugal was always a bit depressing). It was there that I stumbled onto what is one of my favorite “go to” Italian reds. Unfortunately, all I can do now is blog about it and dream as I can’t find it in the USA, and believe me I have tried!
It was rainy, it was cold, and I was meeting two of my French girlfriends for pizza at the BYOB pizza place just at the end of my road. I never mess around when bringing wine for my French friends. Wine is in their DNA. I brought this. I love it when I’m able to surprise my friends and bring something that is special and memorable. The wine went down so well and so quickly, I had to call my boyfriend at the time to come down with another bottle. Bless his heart, he and Lord Indy saved the day.🤣
This wine is a Malvasia from southern italy. Malvasia is typically known as a white varietal, but it just happens to have a lesser known delicious red cousin, Malvasia Nera. This grape typically is a blending grape in Primitivo and Negro Amaro, and is rarely found on its own. This particular version of it is produced by a fairly famous wine producing group in southern Italy called Farnese led by CEO and third generation wine maker, Filippo Baccalaro. It is made from 80 year old vines and is dry grown. In my humble opinion, they did this grape such a service by letting it shine. It is balanced, not too heavy, spicy and drinkable in every way. Definitely perfect for a cold rainy evening with girlfriends eating pizza!
🍇 100% Malvasia Nera
🥴 13.5%
📆 6-8 months in barrels
📍 Salento, Southern Italy
🏵️ None
👀 Deep Red Color
👃 Clove, Spice
🍷 Sweet black fruit, cherries, full bodied with lovely tannins and perfect amount of balance with the acid. The finish is such a wonderful long, silky and spicy surprise. This wine is begging to be drank.
⏳ Now.
💰 It is widely available in the UK. Cambridge wine merchants has it for £11.40. What a bargain!
📝 Pair with charcuterie, beef, and of course, pizza!
In the US you can find the much more popular and well known Farnese Primitivo. If anyone finds where to buy this from, please let me know!
