What kind of wine is Salento Negroamaro IGP Valle dell'Asso 'Piromáfo' 2016 - Cantina Fiorentino
The Salento Negroamaro IGP Valle dell'Asso 'Piromáfo' 2016 - Cantina Fiorentino is a red wine of structure and personality, produced in the heart of Salento from Negroamaro grapes from vineyards cultivated under certified organic farming. The IGP (Protected Geographical Indication) denomination protects its origin and quality, guaranteeing the authenticity of a wine that tells the story of Apulian winemaking tradition.
This Negroamaro stands out for its full body, intense color, and aromatic complexity that combines elegance and strength, offering a satisfying and well-balanced tasting experience.
Vintage Details
The 2016 vintage was characterized by balanced weather, with warm and breezy summers and cool nights that allowed for slow and even ripening of the grapes. This combination enhanced the aromatic concentration and the right balance between sugars and acidity, resulting in a harmonious wine with great territorial expressiveness.
Vinification and aging
After a meticulous manual selection of the bunches, the grapes are softly pressed. Fermentation takes place in stainless steel tanks at controlled temperatures to preserve aromas and freshness. Once maceration on the skins, necessary to extract color and tannins, is complete, the wine undergoes an aging period of 18 months in large wooden barrels, where it develops greater complexity and depth. This is followed by further bottle aging to consolidate its structure and round out the tannins.
Tasting Notes
The Salento Negroamaro IGP Valle dell'Asso 'Piromáfo' 2016 - Cantina Fiorentino is a wine that captivates with its harmony between power and finesse. Let's discover its distinctive features.
Color
It presents an intense ruby red with garnet reflections, indicative of the wine's maturity and its evolutionary potential.
Nose
The bouquet is broad and complex: notes of ripe red fruit such as black cherry and plum emerge, followed by hints of sweet spices, tobacco, and a delicate nuance of vanilla derived from wood aging. The olfactory profile is balanced and seductive, typical of the best Salento Negroamaro.
Taste
On the palate, it is enveloping and well-structured. The dense but velvety tannins support a full-bodied taste profile, with a long and persistent finish that recalls black fruit and spices. It is a wine that evolves in the glass, revealing layers of complexity as the minutes pass.
What dishes to pair with Salento Negroamaro IGP Valle dell'Asso 'Piromáfo' 2016 - Cantina Fiorentino
Thanks to its structure and the softness of its tannins, this Negroamaro pairs perfectly with rich and flavorful dishes. Some ideal pairings include:
- Grilled or roasted red meats;
- Braised and stewed beef or lamb;
- Aged cheeses such as Pecorino or Caciocavallo;
- Typical Apulian dishes such as orecchiette with ragù or meat sauce.
It expresses itself best with genuine Mediterranean cuisine, where it can enhance flavors without overpowering them.
Storage and aging: how to store Salento Negroamaro IGP Valle dell'Asso 'Piromáfo' 2016 - Cantina Fiorentino wine
To maintain the intact qualities of this wine, it is advisable to store it in a cool, dark place, with a constant temperature around 14-16°C and controlled humidity. The bottle should be kept horizontal, so that the cork remains moist and ensures a perfect seal over time.
The Salento Negroamaro IGP Valle dell'Asso 'Piromáfo' 2016 - Cantina Fiorentino has excellent aging potential: it can evolve in the bottle for 8-10 years, developing increasingly complex and enveloping notes. A wine designed for those who love to discover how time can enhance the richness and depth of Salento Negroamaro.
Fiorentino Winery
The History of Cantina Fiorentino Winery Cantina Fiorentino winery is rooted in the Italian winemaking tradition, skillfully blending heritage and innovation. Founded by talented enologists with a passion for the land and wine, this winery is dedicated to producing wines that tell stories of auth...
How to best open and serve Salento Negroamaro IGP Valle dell'Asso 'Piromáfo' 2016 - Cantina Fiorentino
1. Bottle Positioning
Before opening the Salento Negroamaro IGP Valle dell'Asso 'Piromáfo' 2016 - Cantina Fiorentino, position the bottle vertically for at least 24 hours, so that any sediment settles at the bottom. Avoid shaking or moving it abruptly. This step is particularly important for aged wines like this 2016 vintage, which may present a natural deposit due to the wine's evolution in the bottle.
2. Ideal Serving Temperature
Serve the wine at a temperature between 18°C and 20°C, typical for structured red wines from Salento. If the bottle is stored in a cool cellar, bring it to room temperature about an hour before serving. A correct temperature allows the Negroamaro to fully express its aromas of ripe fruit, spices, and balsamic notes.
3. Opening the Bottle
Use a lever corkscrew or a professional sommelier. Follow these steps:
- Carefully remove the capsule below the neck ring.
- Clean the bottle rim with a clean, dry cloth.
- Insert the corkscrew worm into the center of the cork and turn it gently.
- Slowly extract the cork to avoid jarring and keep sediments at the bottom.
After opening, check that the cork is intact and does not have any abnormal odors.
4. Inspection and First Taste
Pour a small amount of Salento Negroamaro IGP Valle dell'Asso 'Piromáfo' 2016 - Cantina Fiorentino into a glass and observe the color in the light: it should be deep ruby with garnet reflections, typical of aging. Smell the wine to check for cork taint or other defects. Finally, taste to verify that the flavor is balanced and ready for decanting.
5. Decanting and Aeration
This wine, being an aged Negroamaro, benefits from good aeration. Gently pour the contents of the bottle into a decanter, avoiding transferring any sediment. Let it decant for about 45-60 minutes before serving. During this time, the wine will open up, releasing complex aromas and improving its softness on the palate.
6. Serving
Serve the Salento Negroamaro IGP Valle dell'Asso 'Piromáfo' 2016 - Cantina Fiorentino in large red wine glasses, to allow for adequate aeration even in the glass. Pour up to one-third of the glass to allow the wine to develop its aromas. This wine pairs beautifully with red meat dishes, game, or aged Puglian cheeses.
7. Storage After Opening
If not completely consumed, re-seal the bottle with the original cork or an airtight stopper. Store the wine in a cool place, away from light and heat sources. It can maintain its qualities for 2-3 days after opening, preferably with the aid of a vacuum pump. After this period, the Negroamaro will tend to lose some of its aromatic intensity and freshness.