Viniou Reviews
Cantele’s Salice Salentino DOC 2021 ‘Cuvée Caramia’ is a red wine that wonderfully encapsulates the fiery character and sun-drenched terroir of Puglia in southern Italy. This wine is typically crafted predominantly from Negroamaro, sometimes blended with small proportions of Malvasia Nera, both hallmark grape varieties of the Salento area. Harvested in 2021, a year known for its warm, dry conditions, the grapes achieved excellent ripeness, endowing the wine with lush fruit flavours and supple tannins. The cuvée is vinified with a focus on extracting vibrant colour and structure, often followed by maturation in stainless steel or large oak casks to preserve freshness while enhancing texture and complexity. The result is a wine with a deep ruby hue, aromas of ripe black cherries, plums, and gentle spice, and a palate marked by dark fruit, subtle balsamic notes, and a pleasingly savoury finish.
The Salice Salentino appellation sits in the heart of the Salento peninsula, a region famed for its Mediterranean climate with long, hot summers and mild winters. The soils here are a limestone-rich mix of red clay and sand, contributing both power and lift to the region’s wines. Puglia’s winemaking history dates back to ancient times; long overlooked, it has recently emerged for producing characterful reds that offer both depth and approachability. The Negroamaro grape—whose name hints at its deep colour and aromatic profile—thrives in these sunny, windswept vineyards, yielding wines of intensity and charm.
This wine is an ideal companion for robust, flavourful fare. Pair it with grilled lamb chops, eggplant parmigiana, or a hearty ragù di carne on orecchiette pasta. Regional classics such as ‘braciole’—beef rolls stewed in tomato sauce—or mature pecorino cheese also make excellent matches, as the wine’s natural acidity and structure cut beautifully through rich and savoury dishes.
For the best tasting experience, serve Cantele’s Salice Salentino Cuvée Caramia slightly below room temperature, ideally between 16 and 18°C. Decanting for 30 minutes will help the aromas develop further, offering a true taste of Puglia’s warmth and generous hospitality in every glass.
