Water into Wino

Terre di Epicuro Negroamaro 2002

Terre di Epicuro Negroamaro 2002
Rosso del Salento Italy, Apulia ($7)

My constant search for a quality table wine has inspired another $7 purchase of this 100% Negroamaro from Salento. I frequently make meat ragu as well as pomodoro sauce for dinner. Typically I consume Montepulciano or an affordable Chianti with these meals, leaving the pricier Italian reds for special occasions or simply for weekends. I found this bottle at a liquor store right around the corner from me. I've probably drank around ten bottles of this wine in the past, so my expectations are moderately high and usually met.

This last bottle just didn't meet those expectations. The earthy, dark red fruit aromas were present. The color was the same, that being a deep red almost purple color. The taste on the other hand was tart. The bitterness that earned this grape its name was a little too harsh. The fruit flavors were hidden. Did I just get a bad bottle? Has the poor 2002 growing season finally affected this vintage pushing it past its drinkable window? Has my palate evolved and I'm just now noticing the details of this rustic wine? The truth has to be in there somewhere. For now I may hold off on this wine. My grade: C

Cantina Sociale Cooperativa Copertino Riserva 1999

Cantina Sociale Cooperativa Copertino Riserva 1999
Italy, Apulia ($13)

My WBW #16 entry had the excitement of a bottle rocket, that in my opinion, didn't do justice to the Southern Italian region of Apulia, but this wine does. A 95% blend of negroamaro and 5% Malvasia nera, it is similar to the more recognizable Salice Salentino, but this comes from the town of Copertino. This town has gained the reputation of producing some of the most respected premium wines of Apulia.

A ruby red color makes this wine look appetizing enough. The nose is full of dark cherries and currants. It is medium bodied and dry with a supple texture. I love the earthiness of this wine that really shows itself in the finish. A great wine with food or on its own. My grade: B+

Wine Blog Wednesday #16

Voluntas Uva di Troia 2003 Italy, Apulia ($9)

Judging and buying a wine by its cover or label in this case was the theme this month. Ignoring the the descriptions, price, and any staff recommendations that accompany a wine on display is harder than it should be. The label here did draw me in with an illustration of a knight sipping a glass of red wine with some huge white bird perched on his helmet. It lacked the vintage, the region, and any recognizable varietal. I was drawn to this one because it stood out from the usually not so fancy lables in the Italian wines section. Seemed "new world" to me in style. Turns out that the Uva di Troia is a grape I've never had and the fact that it was $9 made this an easy decision. I will not leave any indeginous Italian grapes untasted!

This red wine was very arromatic with dark berries, herbal tea, and tobacco. I only wish the taste was as complex as the smell. An initial layer of dark fruit dried my mouth a little too quickly before dissolving into mediocrity. This bottle just wasn't able to define itself. Finished dry and bland. Perhaps this wine could have been decanted or aged a bit more. Next time I realize I am in the Apulia section, I should ignore the label design, and look for what I know I like about the region. This includes negroamaro grapes, malvasia nera, and primitivo based wines.

I should mention that I opened this bottle after a couple Dewars, Thai food, two beers, and a visit to Coldstone Creamery. Just to be sure I am going to try again tomorrow during lunch. Tonight it gets a C- grade.