98 Points: 2019 Masca del Tacco Luli Appassite Puglia

Consistent quality vintage after vintage is a sign of a winery that knows which grapes grow best for the location and knows what to do with those grapes after harvest. The consistent quality of the2019 Masca del Tacco Lu'li Appassite Puglia is hard to dispute. For 6 consecutive years, including 2019, Italian wine expert Luca Maroni awarded it 98 points.

Appassite, also known as appassimento, is an ancient method that keeps grapes on the vine long after they’ve reached full maturation. The grapes begin to dehydrate, and the sugars and acids concentrate. When the grapes are finally harvested and pressed, the resulting juice creates a wine that’s full bodied with concentrated flavors.

It’s the method used for the sought-after Amarone della Valpolicella from Italy’s Veneto region, but wineries throughout Italy (and the world) choose to make wines this way. Masca del Tacco is in Puglia, a rising star region in the wine world. Wine Spectator says the future of this beautiful southern region (also known as the “Tuscany of the South”) looks increasingly bright thanks to the fact that “producers are upgrading and investing in vineyards and winery infrastructure and embracing new philosophies and techniques.”

Masca del Tacco is one of the region’s wineries to watch. This amazing estate was founded  in 2010. Owners and winemakers, Manlio and Felice Mergè restored a century-old building and expanded the existing vineyards. They now perfectly combine traditional winemaking with modern state-of-the-art technology, with a simple yet powerful goal in mind: “honor the tradition, identity, and terroir, delivering outstanding wines made with passion, commitment, and experience.” 

The estate’s vast vineyard extends for more than 500 acres and is planted with vines with an average age of 50+ years.They thrive in the beautiful terroir enriched by the warmth of the land and the sea influence of the Salentina peninsula. Syrah, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Lambrusco, and the region's kings: Primitivo, Negroamaro, Fiano, and Susumaniello are planted on the estate.

Negroamaro is the main grape in this wine that’s an intense deep ruby red. It’s very fruity, well-balanced, mouth-filling with great persistence. We think lovers of The Prisoner will be particularly thrilled to drink this wine, but all red wine lovers should experience this Puglian masterpiece. 

With our jaw dropping 58% discount, all red wine lovers can afford to have that experience. We have the Lowest Price Anywhere on this wine Amarone-style wine that’s a Luca Maroni darling.

2016 Whitehall Lane Leonardini Estate Cabernet Sauvignon

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