Viniou Reviews
Tormaresca's Bocca di Lupo 2020 is a distinguished red wine hailing from the Castel del Monte DOC in Puglia, southern Italy. This wine is produced predominantly from the Aglianico grape, a variety renowned for its structure and capacity to develop complexity with age. The 2020 vintage offered favourable growing conditions, yielding grapes of notable ripeness and concentration. Vinification typically involves careful temperature-controlled fermentation to preserve the grape's aromatic vitality, followed by ageing in oak barrels, which imparts both tannic backbone and subtle hints of spice, vanilla, and toast. The result is a wine marked by deep ruby hues, expressive aromas of dark fruits, wild herbs, earthy undertones, and a palate that is both powerful and balanced, carrying the region’s warmth and strong identity.
The Castel del Monte area, overlooking the Adriatic coast, is encircled by rolling hills and dominated by the imposing fortress from which it takes its name. The region benefits from a Mediterranean climate tempered by sea breezes and diurnal temperature shifts, encouraging the development of grapes with pronounced freshness and aromatic intensity. Soils here are typically rocky and calcareous, contributing to the wine’s minerality and firm structure. With a viticultural history dating back to Swabian rule in the Middle Ages, Castel del Monte has in recent decades asserted itself for top-quality reds, with Bocca di Lupo among its most celebrated ambassadors.
This robust and elegant wine lends itself beautifully to traditional Puglian dishes such as lamb chops grilled with aromatic herbs, orecchiette pasta with rich ragù, or aged cheeses like Pecorino. Its structure and acidity also favour hearty meat stews and game, reflecting the rustic cuisine of the region.
For the optimal tasting experience, decanting the wine for an hour is highly recommended, allowing it to fully express its bouquet and round out its tannins. Serve at a temperature of 16-18°C to best appreciate its depth, finesse, and the distinct charm of Castel del Monte.
