Italy, Puglia

We were delighted to meet the energetic team from Cantine de Falco on our last trip to Italy. The enthusiasm for what they are doing here is contagious. Located near Lecce in the heart of Salento country, at Novoli, this 50 year old estate has really hit its stride recently. Salvatore has been succeeded by his son Gabriele but the understanding of this place and the vines has been passed on seamlessly. With average vine age now between 20 and 30 years old the fruit is of great intensity and quality. We were struck by the purity of the fruit character here - the fabulous, clean-cut expression that fills the glass from each varietal. Our favourites from the estate are the Negroamaro and the super Primitivo. Both fine, lithe and pretty examples. Yes, these are Puglian, so all is relative, but these are the brightest, most fun examples we have tasted for ages. An exciting new signing and remarkable value.