A Pleasant Taste of Puglia

Last night, a friend of mine and I stopped by Barrel Room in the Lower Nob Hill area of San Francisco.  Tucked away inside of a boutique hostel, this cozy Victorian styled wine lounge offers an eclectic list of small production wines from all over the world.

My favorite wine of the night was from the heel of the Italian boot; better known as Salento, Puglia.  Here were my thoughts…

2008 Valle Dell’Asso Terra S. Giovanni Primitivo, Salento IGT

This primitivo is striking on the nose with juicy red plum, red cherry, violet, balsamic vinegar, and band-aid characteristics. On the palate, this wine perfectly reflects the nose while adding in hints of cinnamon, pencil shavings, and smoky cedar. Powerful tannins are beautifully harmonized with the wine’s medium body and zesty acidity.

-Juju