Irresistible Salice Salentino is 2020 vintage made from the Negroamaro grape, with an ABV of 13.5%. Produced by Botter, a brand more popular in Belgium, Germany, Holland and France, this wine comes from Masseria Doppio Passo in Puglia, specifically the municipality of Salice Salentino. It’s aged for at least 24 months, including six months in wooden barrels.
I first tried this during a tasting I organised in August 2024. At the time, I enjoyed it a lot and found it had a slightly burnt edge, something often associated with Negroamaro. Revisiting a bottle sourced at the same time, I am pleasantly surprised by how much it had mellowed with a little age. Now, it’s truly excellent for the price. The strong dark berry aroma leads into a dry but fruity profile, with ripe cherries and cassis dominating. There’s just a touch of oak, and the finish is warm and generous, supported by medium tannins.
It impressed me so much that I immediately went out to buy more. Still at just £8.00 at Co-op, despite recent duty increases, it’s a bargain.
