2007 Tormaresca Neprica

Puglia, Italy
From $8 to $10

This smooth-drinking garnet blend of negroamaro, primitivo and cabernet sauvignon grapes (hence the moniker – the winemakers combined the first letters of each grape varietal) is a “food wine.” It is heavier than a typical Chianti, displaying earthy black cherry, raspberry and anise notes, and has enough acidity to pair well with pizza, spaghetti bolognese, spicy grilled sausages and other hearty southern Italian fare.
The Neprica hails from the southern Italian province of Puglia, also known as the “heel” of the Italian boot. Anyone who’s ever backpacked from Italy to Greece has likely traveled through this region en route to Brindisi, the gateway ferry departure point.

Tuscany’s venerable Antinori family (producer of the famed super-Tuscan Tignanello) invested heavily in the Tormaresca property in 1998, their first southern foray, and 10 years on it’s now paying dividends. At just under $10, this is one of their least expensive offerings, and a terrific value.
–Greg Clarke

2007 Tormaresca Neprica
Available at Cost Plus World Market and BevMo!