Salento Rosso Riserva IGT "Vigna Vitrilli Grande" 1997 - Apollonio

A Salento Rosso Riserva IGT from Apollonio, made from Primitivo, Negroamaro and Aleatico. The grapes are picked slightly late to encourage concentration of aromas and sugars, then fermented for about 35-40 days in oak barrels at controlled temperature. Ageing runs to 72 months in barriques, six months in large barrels and a further 12 months in bottle. The result is a powerful, structured red with a firm tannin and a strong alcoholic impression. It suits elaborate meat dishes, game and meditation drinking. On the nose it shows complex, enveloping aromas of very ripe red fruit, clove, vanilla, leather and balsamic nuances. The palate is powerful and structured, with firm tannin and a marked alcoholic sensation. It closes with a very persistent finish.