Paolo Leo, Salice Salentino Riserva, 2019, Salice Salentino (DOC)

'One-Liner'
A warm, polished Puglian red with ripe dark fruit, soft spice and a smooth, savoury finish.

Tasting Note
Deep ruby in the glass, with a nose that leans into ripe berry fruit, dried herbs and gentle oak spice. On the palate it is full and harmonious, with dark cherry and bramble fruit, a little woody seasoning and fine, steady tannins. There is enough freshness to keep it moving, but the overall feel is rounded and mature rather than bright and crunchy. A very comfortable, food-friendly southern Italian red.

Country: Italy
Region: Puglia
Sub-Region: Salice Salentino DOC
Grape(s): Negroamaro, Malvasia Nera
ABV: 14% 
Friendly: Vegan, Vegetarian, Organic

Awards & Critics' Scores
n/a

The Story
Paolo Leo is a Salento producer founded in 1989 and based in San Donaci, right in the heart of the Salice Salentino area. This Riserva sits in the core family range and feels very much rooted in local tradition – Negroamaro at the centre, supported by Malvasia Nera, with enough time and élevage to bring more depth and polish than an everyday bottling. It is exactly the sort of wine that shows why Salice Salentino can offer both warmth and structure without losing drinkability.

Perfect With... (click me for the recipe)
- Meat/fish: Tuscan-style porchetta with fennel, garlic and rosemary potatoes

- Vegetarian: Charred mushroom and black pepper pappardelle

- Vegan: Roast aubergine, lentil and tomato bake with herbs