Wines Salice Salentino Nostre Terre

Viniou Reviews

Nostre Terre Salice Salentino hails from the sun-baked region of Puglia in southern Italy, produced under the Salice Salentino DOC. While the exact vintage is not specified, Salice Salentino reds are traditionally based on the native Negroamaro grape, sometimes blended with Malvasia Nera to soften the structure and add aromatic lift. The wine typically exhibits a deep ruby hue, offering an aromatic profile dominated by dark cherry, plum, and black berry fruits. These are often complemented by savoury undertones of herbs, leather, and a hint of spice. Vinification methods in this DOC favour the expression of ripe fruit, supported by moderate ageing, sometimes in oak, which can impart gentle notes of vanilla and tobacco.

Puglia is affectionately known as the "heel" of Italy and boasts a rich vinicultural history dating back to ancient times. The region is characterised by its warm Mediterranean climate, ensuring long hours of sunshine and minimal rainfall, which allows grapes to ripen fully. The soils in Salice Salentino, a zone near the town of Lecce, are typically calcareous-clay, with good drainage, lending robust structure to the wines and reinforcing their capacity for joyful, fruit-led expression. Puglia’s historical crossroads have gifted it a diverse winemaking tradition, with Salice Salentino standing as one of its flagship appellations.

Salice Salentino is an ideal companion for richly flavoured dishes. Locally, you would often find it paired with pasta alla puttanesca, orecchiette with braciole (stuffed pork rolls), or classic Parmigiana di melanzane. Its structure and ripe fruit allow it to work beautifully with slow-cooked lamb, hearty stews or grilled meats. For vegetarians, aubergine-based dishes, lentil casseroles or aged pecorino cheese would be superb matches.

To best appreciate the depth and balance of a Nostre Terre Salice Salentino, serve slightly below room temperature. A serving range of 16-18°C is ideal, allowing the fruit and savoury spices to shine while retaining freshness. Consider decanting for around 30 minutes beforehand to let the bouquet fully blossom. This wine is well suited for convivial meals and showcases the warmth and embracing spirit of southern Italian reds.