San Marzano 'Talo' Malvasia Nera 2024

Malvasia Nera is a grape more often than not blended with Primitivo or Negroamaro, so it's good to see it standing on its own here and showing what it's really about. A short stint of four months in French oak adds a touch of subtle complexity, while the flavours are packed with dark, sweet cherry, blackcurrant jam, cedar, and a hint of sweet spice. For all its richness, there's a freshness on the finish that keeps everything in balance. Warm, smooth, and full of character.

The gently soft body and mild tannins make it nice and easy drinking just by itself. With food try with roasted red meats or even mature hard cheese.

In 1962, 19 vine growers from San Marzano, deep in the Puglian heel of Italy, whose families had farmed the land for generations, combined their efforts to establish Cantine San Marzano. Through the decades this co-operative has grown significantly and can now boast over 1,200 members and has a reputation for quality that has earned international renown. They are based just east of the town of Taranto in the region of Salento. The Cantine's director Mauro di Maggio is a native of this part of the world and grew up with a connection to the winery before going to work there in 2003. As a result, he knows his members well and his close working relationships with them has helped keep the quality of fruit supplied to the winery at high levels.