Gianfranco Fino Jo Negroamaro 2023

Drink it now or cellar for up to 10 years. No need to decant, but best to open it half an hour before service. The Gianfranco Fino winery was founded in the early 2000s in the province of Taranto, Puglia, and makes premium wines based on indigenous grape varieties such as Primitivo and Negroamaro. The estate owns approximately two hectares of vineyards and leases additional plots with vines over fifty years old, trained using the classic Apulian bush training system. Gianfranco Fino's Jo is a Negroamaro made with grapes from vineyards located on red soil in the San Pietro in Bevagna area of ​​Agro di Manduria. Its name pays homage to the Ionian Sea but also refers to one of the synonyms used for this grape variety (Jonico). After manual selection and harvesting, and a maceration period of approximately 2-3 weeks, fermentation takes place in stainless steel at a controlled temperature. The finished wine ages for 9 months in wood (50% new) and for a further 3 months in bottle before being released for sale. In the glass, the wine reveals an intense, dark ruby ​​color. Its aromatic profile is rich and broad, with notes of dark fruit jam interspersed with floral and Mediterranean scents and hints of spice. On the palate, it is round, soft, and concentrated, with a refreshing acidity and a crisp character. The tannins are fine and well-integrated, and the finish is long and recalls savory hints. It pairs beautifully with lasagna Bolognese or lamb tagine.