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
I'm no big fan of negroamaro, so maybe I'm prejudiced...but maybe your taste is evolving. It happnes to me periodically, too--a reliable "house wine" loses its allure and I find myself having to seek another one. Usually a bit more expensive, sadly enough.
Posted by: Terry Hughes | January 16, 2006 at 01:32 PM