Negroamaro

Negroamaro is a dark-skinned grape variety that is associated with the Puglia region in southern Italy. It is commonly found in blends alongside Primitivo, Malvasia Nera, Sangiovese or Montepulciano. The variety is valued for its deep color, medium-full tannins and dark berryfruit flavors. It can also add earthen tones that can cross over into slightly medicinal flavors. It is mildly aromatic and can produce complex wines that show characteristics of ground brown spices such as clove, cinnamon and allspice. The warm Mediterranean-style climate in Puglia's Salento Peninsula suits the variety well, allowing the vines to achieve optimum levels of ripeness. The variety is believed to have arrived in Puglia from Greece, likely via what is now modern-day Albania. It is also grown in California and Australia, but it remains most closely associated with the heel of Italy's boot. The variety is also known as Nigramaro and Negro Amaro.