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€22,80
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Vintage:
2009
Denomination:
Salento
Grape variety:
negroamaro
Origin:
Italy, Apulia
Alcohol:
14.5%
Format:
0.375 L
Product origin:
Business
Serving temperature:
14°
When to drink:
Dinner, Meditation
Type:
Red Wine
Taste:
sweet and concentrated, with notes of ripe fruit and spices
Flavorings:
brandied cherry, prune, spices, vanilla
Allergens:
Sulphites
Longevity:
15 years
What kind of wine is Salento Negroamaro Passito IGT 'Mater Terra' 2009 - Apollonio (0.375l)?
The Salento Negroamaro Passito IGT 'Mater Terra' 2009 - Apollonio (0.375l) is a sweet and enveloping wine, born in the heart of Salento from one of the territory's most representative grape varieties: Negroamaro. It is a passito with great character, the result of a late harvest that enhances the sugar concentration of the grapes and gives the wine a significant structure, typical of the best Apulian meditation reds. The result is a full-bodied, harmonious passito, with a sweetness balanced by a fine tannic texture and an elegant, long finish.
Vintage Details
The 2009 vintage was characterized by a stable and sunny climate, ideal for the slow and complete ripening of Negroamaro. The harvest, carried out manually at the end of October, allowed only the best grapes, naturally withered on the vine, to be selected. This late harvest process concentrates aromas and sugars, giving rise to a complex and profound wine, perfectly balanced between sweetness and freshness.
Vinification and aging
After harvesting, the grapes undergo a slow fermentation of about 35-40 days in wooden vats at controlled temperature. The prolonged maceration – the contact between skins and must – allows the extraction of color, aromas, and softness. This is followed by one year of aging in French oak barriques and an additional six months in large barrels, which give the wine complexity, roundness, and a pleasant spicy note.
Tasting Notes
The Salento Negroamaro Passito IGT 'Mater Terra' 2009 - Apollonio is a wine that engages the senses from the first to the last drop. Here's how it presents itself:
Color
Intense ruby red with garnet reflections, a sign of the wine's natural evolution over time. The consistency, visible in the glass, reveals its rich and velvety structure.
Nose
On the nose, complex and enveloping aromas of ripe red fruit – such as brandied cherries and dried plums – emerge, accompanied by delicate notes of sweet spices, cocoa, and vanilla, derived from barrel aging.
Palate
On the palate, it is soft and full-bodied, with a perfect balance between sweetness and freshness. The tannins, the substances that give structure and a slightly dry sensation on the palate, are silky and well integrated. The persistence is long, with a finish that leaves a pleasant note of dried fruit and chocolate.
Food Pairings for Salento Negroamaro Passito IGT 'Mater Terra' 2009 - Apollonio (0.375l)
This passito pairs splendidly with desserts and aged cheeses. Excellent with:
- Dark chocolate or red fruit desserts
- Jam tart or dry pastries
- Blue cheeses like Gorgonzola and Roquefort
- Moments of meditation, served on its own as an after-dinner wine
Its balanced sweetness also makes it perfect for those who want to discover a dessert wine that is not cloying, but refined and harmonious.
Storage and Aging: How to store Salento Negroamaro Passito IGT 'Mater Terra' 2009 - Apollonio (0.375l)
To best preserve the qualities of this passito, it is important to store it in a cool, dark place with controlled humidity, around 70%. The ideal storage temperature is between 12 and 16 °C.
Thanks to its structure and the presence of sugars, the Mater Terra has great potential for evolution in the bottle: it can be aged for several years, developing increasingly complex and nuanced notes. Before serving, it is advisable to open it and let it breathe for a few minutes, to best enhance its aromatic profile.
Apollonius
The history of Apollonio winery Apollonio winery is a pillar of Italian winemaking tradition, masterfully combining the heritage of the past with modern innovation. Founded over a century ago, Apollonio embodies the authentic soul of Puglia, a region home to sun-kissed vineyards influenced by the...
How to best open and serve Salento Negroamaro Passito IGT 'Mater Terra' 2009 - Apollonio (0.375l)
1. Bottle Positioning
Before opening the Salento Negroamaro Passito IGT 'Mater Terra' 2009 - Apollonio (0.375l), it is advisable to let it rest upright for at least a few hours. This way, any natural sediments resulting from aging will settle at the bottom, preventing them from ending up in the glass during service.
2. Ideal Serving Temperature
This Passito best expresses its aromas at a serving temperature between 14°C and 16°C. If stored in a cellar, simply remove it approximately 30 minutes before serving. Avoid serving it too cold, as excessive cold diminishes the sweet notes and spicy nuances.
3. Opening the Bottle
Proceed calmly and precisely:
- Cut the capsule below the bottle's neck ring.
- Clean the rim and cork with a cloth.
- Insert the corkscrew into the center and slowly remove the cork, avoiding jolts.
A delicate opening preserves the wine's integrity and keeps the typical aromas of Salento Negroamaro Passito intact.
4. Inspection and First Taste
Immediately after opening, observe the color and check that the wine is clear. Smell the glass to ensure there are no unpleasant odors due to the cork or oxidation. A brief taste will help determine if it needs decanting or if it's ready to enjoy.
5. Decanting and Oxygenation
Being an aged wine, the Salento Negroamaro Passito IGT 'Mater Terra' 2009 - Apollonio (0.375l) greatly benefits from decanting. Slowly pour the wine into a carafe or decanter, keeping the bottle tilted so as not to disturb the sediment. Let it breathe for about 20–30 minutes to allow for oxygenation and the opening of complex aromas of ripe fruit, chocolate, and sweet spices.
6. Serving
Use large, tulip-shaped or dessert wine glasses that allow for good aromatic concentration. Pour small quantities at a time and appreciate the evolved aromas that distinguish this refined Salento Passito. Excellent paired with chocolate desserts, blue cheeses, or on its own as a meditation wine.
7. Storage After Opening
After opening, store the bottle in the refrigerator, tightly sealed with an airtight or vacuum stopper. The wine will maintain its characteristics for 3-5 days. Before consuming it again, bring it back to room temperature to fully appreciate its aromatic complexity.
