Boccantino’s 2023 Salento red showcases the classic vibrancy for which the wines of southern Apulia are renowned. Crafted from a blend believed to include a majority of Primitivo, complemented by a significant proportion of the indigenous Susumaniello grape, this wine is likely to offer a complex interplay of ripe, dark berry fruit and gentle spice. Primitivo contributes body and generous fruit, evoking notes of black cherry and plum, while Susumaniello, increasingly celebrated in the region, is known for deep colour and a touch of freshness. The 2023 vintage, relatively young, will typically present a lively, plush profile, with supple tannins and ample, juicy structure. Vinification in this region is usually geared towards preserving the ripe fruit character and enhancing mouthfeel, sometimes with brief ageing in stainless steel or neutral oak to maintain vibrancy.
Salento itself, set at the heel of Italy, boasts an enviably Mediterranean climate: hot, dry summers and cooling breezes from both the Adriatic and Ionian Seas help concentrate flavours while retaining a freshness that balances out the natural ripeness. The soils, often a mixture of limestone and clay with iron-red, mineral-rich patches, further contribute to the richness and depth of local reds. Historically, this is a region with a strong tradition of robust, flavourful wines that pair effortlessly with the intense flavours of Apulian cuisine.
This style of red, generous and fruit-driven yet not lacking in structure, is especially well suited to richly sauced pasta dishes — consider orecchiette with spicy sausage ragù or a rustic lasagna. It will also pair beautifully with roasted lamb seasoned with regional herbs, grilled aubergines, or hard, aged cheeses such as pecorino. For an authentic local match, try it alongside bombette pugliesi — pork parcels stuffed with cheese and herbs.
Serve this Salento red at 16-18°C, ideally after a short aeration to help express its aromatic intensity. Enjoy it young for its exuberance, or give it a year to settle further in bottle if you enjoy a softer, mellower profile.
