What kind of wine is Salento Negroamaro IGT 'Jo' 2022 - Gianfranco Fino

The Salento Negroamaro IGT 'Jo' 2022 - Gianfranco Fino is a red wine of great personality, an authentic expression of the Salento territory. The name "Jo" refers to the Ionian Sea, a body of water that bathes the coasts of Manduria, but it also refers to "Jonico," one of the historical synonyms for the Negroamaro grape, an indigenous variety symbolic of southern Puglia. A wine that combines the generosity of the Mediterranean climate with the precision and elegance that have always characterized Gianfranco Fino's touch.

Full-bodied, intense, and harmonious, this Negroamaro stands out for its fruit maturity and its perfect balance between power and finesse, offering a full and satisfying experience to the palate.

Vintage details

The 2022 vintage was characterized by favorable climatic conditions, with warm summers mitigated by sea breezes and good temperature variations, which allowed the grapes to reach full ripeness. The selection of bunches was scrupulous: the best were harvested after a slight drying on the vine, a practice that concentrates sugars and aromas, ensuring depth and softness in the final wine.

Vinification and aging

After manual harvesting, the grapes are vinified in stainless steel to preserve the purity of the fruit. This is followed by controlled temperature fermentation and maceration on the skins, useful for extracting color, aromas, and mature tannins. Aging takes place for approximately nine months in first and second-passage French oak barriques, which impart complexity and sweet spicy notes without overpowering the varietal character of the Negroamaro.

Tasting notes

The Salento Negroamaro IGT 'Jo' 2022 - Gianfranco Fino is a wine that captivates with its sensory richness and aromatic definition.

Color

It presents an intense ruby red color with purple reflections, indicating concentration and youth, which foreshadows a significant structure.

Nose

On the nose, generous aromas of ripe red fruits – such as cherry and plum – emerge, accompanied by hints of sweet spices, cocoa, and balsamic notes. With aeration, hints of licorice and tobacco open up, typical of the most authentic Negroamaro.

Taste

On the palate, it is full, warm, and enveloping, with silky tannins that are well integrated. The structure is balanced by good freshness, making it easy and pleasant to drink. The finish is long, with a lingering taste of spices and ripe fruit.

Food pairings for Salento Negroamaro IGT 'Jo' 2022 - Gianfranco Fino

This wine pairs perfectly with savory and rich dishes, typical of Mediterranean cuisine. Here are some suggested pairings:

• Grilled or roasted red meats, such as lamb or beef
• Aged cheeses, Pecorino, and Caciocavallo Podolico
• Pasta with meat ragù or game sauces
• Typical Apulian dishes such as "bombette" (meat rolls) or eggplant parmesan

Also perfect to enjoy on its own, to appreciate all its richness and elegance.

Storage and aging: how to store Salento Negroamaro IGT 'Jo' 2022 - Gianfranco Fino wine

To preserve the qualities of the Salento Negroamaro IGT 'Jo' 2022 - Gianfranco Fino, it is important to store it in a cool, dark environment, with a constant temperature around 14-16°C and controlled humidity. The bottles should be kept horizontally to keep the cork moist.

While excellent to drink now, this Negroamaro has great aging potential: if stored correctly, it can age for 6-8 years, developing more complex and refined aromas over time, which will further enrich the tasting experience.