# 12 e Mezzo Negroamaro Salento (NV)

- **Producer:** Varvaglione 1921
- **Colour:** red
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Negroamaro
- **Region:** Puglia, Italy
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 12.5%
- **Average price:** €10
- **Contains sulphites:** Yes
- **When to drink:** Now
- **Serving temperature:** 16–18 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** cherry, plum, blackberry, black pepper, vanilla, cloves

## About this wine

Produced by the historic Varvaglione 1921 estate in the Salento peninsula of Puglia, the '12 e Mezzo' line represents a modern, elegant approach to traditional Puglian winemaking. Run by the Varvaglione family for four generations, the winery sought to challenge the region's reputation for heavy, high-alcohol reds. By carefully managing the vineyards and harvest times, they crafted a highly drinkable, fresh expression of the native Negroamaro grape that maintains a moderate alcohol level. The line is also celebrated for its fashion-forward packaging, blending style with southern Italian heritage.

## Interesting facts

- The name '12 e Mezzo' translates to 'Twelve and a half,' proudly highlighting the wine's moderate 12.5% ABV.
- The Fashion Edition label features a stylish herringbone pattern, specifically chosen to represent the Negroamaro grape.
- Varvaglione 1921 has been family-owned and operated in Puglia for over a century, blending tradition with modern technology.

## Food pairing

The moderate alcohol, vibrant acidity, and soft tannins of this Negroamaro make it exceptionally food-friendly. It pairs beautifully with tomato-based pasta dishes and roasted meats, where the wine's fruitiness complements the savory depth of the food without overpowering it.

## Wine making process

The grapes are harvested at optimal ripeness to ensure vibrant acidity and moderate sugar levels. Fermentation takes place in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks with skin contact to extract color and supple tannins. Following fermentation, the wine undergoes a brief aging period in French oak barrels to add subtle complexity and roundness to the tannins while preserving the bright, primary fruit characteristics of the Negroamaro grape.