© by Tom Hyland
The region of Puglia in southeastern Italy is becoming a favorite for producers who want to create wines with lots of flavor for little money. Antinori recently purchased two separate estates totaling over 850 acres. Other producers have also bought land here, so look for any number of Apulian wines in the $8-12 range at retail outlets.
TORMARESCA
Located northwest of Bari in central Puglia, this is one of the two estates owned by Antinori.
2000 CHARDONNAY (IGT)
100% Chardonnay. Light yellow, aroma of baked apples, butter and pear. Medium body with nice concentration of fruit and a clean, well-balanced finish. ($12) ***
2000 ROSSO (IGT)
A blend of 55% Cabernet Sauvignon and 45% Aglianico. Ruby red, with an aroma of black cherry, plum, tobacco and cedar. Medium bodied with forward fruit and a slightly tart finish with moderate tannins. ($12) **
Imported by Remy Amerique, New York, NY
TERRALE
The Terrale label represents the Apulian wines produced by the Calatrasi Winery of Sicily.
2000 CHARDONNAY (IGT)
100% Chardonnay. Straw-light yellow. Aroma of pear, apricot and vanilla. Medium-bodied with simple fruit flavors and a clean, rather simple finish. ($8) **
2000 SANGIOVESE (IGT)
100% Sangiovese. Light ruby red with a baked cherry and plum aroma. Medium-bodied with straightforward fruit and a short, lightly tannic finish. ($8) **
2000 PRIMITIVO (IGT)
100% Primitivo. Deep ruby red, light purple. Aroma of blackberry and dried spice. Medium-bodied with a rich mouthfeel and a complete finish with light tannins. Nice character for the price. ($8) ***
Imported by Palm Bay Imports, Boca Raton, FL
FEUDO MONACI
These are the first wines released under this label, which is owned by Gruppo Italiano Vini, which produces wines under several labels from several regions throughout Italy.
2000 PRIMITIVO (IGT)
100% Primitivo. Light purple, with an aroma of ripe blackberries and cardamom. Medium body with ripe, forward fruit and an elegant finish with moderate tannins. Nicely balanced and a fine value. ($9) ***
2000 SALICE SALENTINO (DOC)
80% Negroamaro, 20% Malvasia Nera. Light purple, with an aroma of blackberries and chili pepper. Medium-full with rich mid-palate and juicy, forward fruit. Long textured finish with moderate tannins. Excellent value. Drink now or over the next 1-2 years. Of the wines reviewed here, this is the most complete and satisfying! ($9) ***
Imported by Frederick Wildman and Sons, New York, NY
April 9, 2002
or write him at tnapawine@aol.com
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