CANDIDO Salice Salentino Riserva, Francesco Candido 2005 Grape Varieties 95% Negroamaro 5% Malvasia Nera Food Matching Note: Pasta dishes with rich sauces, roast meats - red and white poultry, mixed grills. Tasting Note: Robust and rustic with dried fruit (fig/prune) flavours accompanied by a creamy bitter-chocolate character, balanced by moderate acidity and smoky oak, with superb length. Vinification Note: Mediterranean climate with low rainfall, ranging between 300 and 700 mm annually. Ripening takes place slowly due to the striking contrast between day and night-time temperatures, resulting in a strong development of aromas, richness and concentration. Soils: For the most part calcareous, though also clay, medium rich and of various compositions (generally low in fertility). Mainly even countryside at elevations between 40 and 80 metres above sea level. Training systems: Alberello Pugliese (low densely planted bush-like vines without supporting wires) for local varieties, spur pruned wire frame training for international varieties. Vine density: Approx. 4,500 per hectare. Harvest period: From mid September to late October. Winemaking: Based on the local Negroamaro grape variety this rich red all hand harvested and fermented in large concrete tanks. The wine is then left to macerate on its skins for a period or 8 - 10 days. The wine is than racked of its skins and left to age in large oak 'botti' for an extended period before bottling. These botti do not impart any flavour to the wines but allow a slow micro oxidation. Find this wine at www.winestore.co.uk Price: £61.33 (Including VAT at 20%)