Tempo al Vino Alese Negroamaro del Salento

A wine steeped in southern heat and time-honoured tradition, Alese is a deep, contemplative expression of Negroamaro—Puglia’s noble red grape whose name evokes both “black” and “bitter”. In truth, there is nothing austere about this rendition; it’s a warm embrace wrapped in dusky velvet. In the glass, it glows a dark garnet, rich and impenetrable. The nose is an opulent wave of ripe black cherry, blackberry compote, and dried plum, laced with accents of baking spice, licorice root, tobacco leaf, and a whisper of sun-dried herbs from the Mediterranean scrub. On the palate, Alese is sumptuous and full-bodied, with velvety tannins and a languid, generous rhythm. Black fruit melds with cocoa and a touch of balsamic lift, all carried by a supple acidity that keeps the richness from overwhelming. The finish is long, earthy, and softly spiced—like the memory of a warm breeze through a terracotta courtyard. A wine made for slow moments and savoury pairings—braised meats, aged pecorino, wild mushroom risotto, or a fireside tale told at midnight.