18/10/2008

Gourmet Traveller WINE magazine (Oct/Nov 2008) - BEST BUY, Imports $25 and Under

2003 Monaci 'Eloquenzia' Copertino Rosso, Puglia (Italy), $22.50 RRP.  By Peter Bourne.

"Celebrated oenologist Secerino Garofano runs Copertino way down in the heel of Puglia, beyond Brindisi, where the negroamaro is at its best.  The 2003 was an abnormally hot vintage, yet inherent properties of the variety handled it with disdain.  Dense aromas of blackberry, dark chocolate, woodsmoke and licorice greet the nose.  The palate is equally brazen, its rich, chewy flavours again of black fruit and savoury spices, the tannins positive but no way bitter or extractive.  PB"