M&S Notte Stellata Rossa Primitivo di Manduria is made from grapes grown in the San Marzano region of Puglia in Italy, with the new 2022 vintage offering a touch more strength at 14.5% ABV.
This wine, which previously won a Silver at the International Wine Challenge. It spends six months ageing in a mix of French and American oak barrels, giving it a nuanced oaky depth.
Unlike many wines, the back label of the Notte Stellata actually gives a very accurate description, highlighting rich, dark cherry, plum and chocolate notes.
While the wine has a higher residual sugar level, it doesn’t come across as overly sweet. This is largely due to the distinct dark chocolate finish, which adds a pleasing counterbalance, toning down what could otherwise feel overly sweet. A tip: this wine truly shines when given a brief time to breathe in a decanter or other container before drinking.
Priced at £12 from M&S, it’s currently available at a slight discount for £11 at Ocado.
