Negroamaro di Lizzano 'Tarantula' De Quarto 2019

Through its extroverted and thick character, Negroamaro di Lizzano 'Tarantula' from the Apulian wine producer De Quarto aims to reveal the oenological potential of Negroamaro and the Lizzano area. The Negroamaro di Lizzano denomination is one of the types of the broader DOC Lizzano and requires a minimum percentage of 85% Negroamaro grapes. The production area roughly corresponds to the Ionic Arc, and vine-growing seems to have been introduced to the territory by Spartan colonists between 700 and 600 BC. The name 'Tarantula' recalls the ritual of tarantism, traditionally performed in the province of Taranto to cure and exorcise tarantism and is considered today a symbol of local popular culture.

Lizzano De Quarto's 'Tarantula' Negroamaro is a pure Negroamaro from vines cultivated in the Apulian alberello style on red limestone soil, excluding the use of pesticides or chemical herbicides. Harvesting is usually carried out by hand during the second half of September, and the grapes are then mellowed in stainless steel tanks for spontaneous alcoholic fermentation at a controlled temperature, associated with prolonged contact between the must and the skins. The subsequent maturation phase is also carried out in stainless steel for a few months, and the wine is finally bottled and left to rest for a further short period before release.

The Negroamaro di Lizzano 'Tarantula' from the De Quarto estate has a dark ruby red colour. The nose reveals clear scents of ripe plum and black cherry, enriched by hints of liquorice and iodine nuances on the finish. Flavour development is full, warm, round, persistent, and textural, supported by pleasant freshness and soft tannins.