10.05.05

Notarpanaro 1999

Posted in Wine Reviews at 12:10 am

Taurino (Italy)
Salento, Apulia
Grapes: Negroamaro (85%), Malvasia Nera (15%)

You may think I work for Trader Joe’s but I don’t. I’m just fascinated by their selection and today discovered that many new wines arrived in the store which means I have things to taste. I did buy three new wines today and for tonight decided to open the Norarpanaro. At $14.99 a bottle this wine wins hands down compared to anything I’ve had from TJ’s. First let me say that I had no idea what to expect and as soon as I opened this bottle the nose was all consuming.

The combination of the Negroamaro grape, translating as “black bitter” with the Malvasia Nera, a grape used to make fortified wines has created a stunning bottle.

The wine at first pouring had an intense ruby color and seemed a little light, almost transparent. The nose was fairly intense and very compelling and the first taste surrounded the mouth with plum and black cherry but had so many other tastes as well, hints of vanilla, spices, almost cinnamon in the after taste and the finish was long with jammy fruit. This wine has great balance of tannins and flavor so that it will stand up to lighter food as well as robust fare. It is well worth having a case of this around for a special treat.
This wine with a thick stew, some delicious cheese and italian bread would be the true meaning of happiness and bliss.

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