de Castris, Salice Riserva

[Innkeeper]

1997 Leone de Castris, Estate Bottled, Salice Salentino, Riserva ($10.80 Is-Wine). A quality reserve wine for ten bucks. Other than Puglia, the only other place I know that can do that is Portugal. This one is remarkable. Beautiful dark ruby color, and an aroma that makes you think of the deep woods. Black cherries and raisins upfront, and musty, lusty earthiness with a solid belt of acid on the palate, along with an ever so slight kick of tannin. All topped off with a long, long finish. Hate to say I squandered this beauty on pizza, but that's just what happened. Next time it will be the best tomato laced pasta I can concoct.