Negroamaro

Pronounce it: negr-ah-mah-ro

Southern Italian speciality

Negroamaro means literally 'black, bitter' and that more or less describes the grape. The pleasure of Italy for the winelover is discovering its several hundred native grapes and this is a typical and individual example. It's a regional speciality, but one that is gaining international fame. That's partly because it is simply such great value.

In Salice Salentino (pronounced (Sah-lee-chay Sah-len-teen-oh) some Malvasia Nera is blended in to create a ripe, elegant, savoury style. This is a development from Negroamaro's more rustic character.

Main characteristics

Colour: red; dark garnet

Body: medium bodied

Tastes: firm acidity, with dark plum fruit and firm tannin

Spotter's guide: this is a Southern Italian speciality from Puglia

Keep or drink? Drink now with food, but the better wines will keep 3-5 years

Price range: £4.99-£15.99

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