Marchese di Borgosole Riserva 2016

Salice Salentino lies in the very heel of Italy’s boot – it’s quite a low lying area, cooled by breezes from the Adriatic sea. The Negroamaro grape seems to love the climate here, producing deep and intensely flavoured reds – wines that are beautifully balanced and elegant, too. That’s especially true of this gorgeous, very well priced Riserva, created by highly experienced winemaker Marco Flacco from Negroamaro with a dash of softer Malvasia Nera – a classic blend of the area. Nine months in barrel and the rest in bottle have lent the intense cherry fruit and layers of chocolatey spice. The wine has lovely maturity, yet the freshness and gentle tannins to enable it to age a few years yet. For now, decant early and serve with pork or game.