Founded in 1959 by a small group of growers, farmers, teachers, and a priest, Vecchia Torres was one of Southern Italy's original cooperatives. Based in Leverano, on the Salento Peninsula (the heel of Italy's boot), their Salice Salentino is a big glass of pure joy.
One of the amazing things about this wine is that Vecchia Torre ages it for a notable amount of time in oak and in bottle before they release it. 2019 is the current release, and that aging has added great texture and mild complexity. All of this for less than $15 too....trust me, this is a rarity for a wine at this price point.
2019 Vecchia Torre Salice Salentino -- Here's why you should buy it:
- If you love Old Vine Zins or Ripassos, you've got to try this! A blend of Negroamaro and Malvasia Nera, it's rich, round, spicy, and pleasure-bent.
- This is that elusive, under-$15 bottle of red wine that will impress the biggest "cork dorks" you know. It's always released with some age under its belt, and every time we pour it in a tasting, it sells out.
- Deep, dark, and supple, it offers up juicy notes of dark cherry, framboise, baking spices, and vanilla. Full-bodied, but soft and round on the palate, it's Italy's answer to Lodi Old Vine Zin.
Drink this Southern Italian red with hearty meals like spaghetti and meatballs, pizza, or North Carolina BBQ! As I'm akin to say, NO FOOD IS REQUIRED though.
