San Marzano F Metal Label Negroamaro 2021

The grapes come from a vineyard in Contrada di Monte la Conca, situated at 100 metres elevation. The climate is characterised by high temperatures all year round, with little rainfall and a wide diurnal temperature range which leads to concentrated fruit with lovely balance. The soil is loamy, finely textured and a generally calcareous limestone subsoil, with a few emerging rocks. The well-known reddish colour of the topsoil is due to the high presence of iron oxide. The sea breezes that influence the vineyard help to keep the vines healthy. The vines are Alberello trained; the traditional Apulian practice of cultivating head-trained bush vines, which guarantees low yields, excellent quality and great phenolic concentration. To alleviate the water stress during the intense summer heat, emergency irrigation takes place if required, along with water saving practices, such as special soil tillage that reduces the capillary rise of water and consequent evaporation. Hand-harvesting of slightly overripe grapes.

The grapes were destemmed and crushed, followed by a cold soak maceration at 8°C for between 24 to 48 hours. Temperature controlled fermentation in stainless steel tanks took place with selected yeasts and lasted for 10 days at controlled temperatures of 22- 24°C. The wine went through malolactic conversion to soften the palate, before being aged in 225-litre French and Caucasian oak barrels for 12 months.