2019 Piccini Bastioni Della Rocca Leggero Appassimento IGT, Puglia

80% Negroamaro. 20% Primitivo Ruby red with orange reflections. Intense and complex with notes of ripe fruit and spices. Dry wine with good texture and supple tannins.Perfect with spicy pasta, red meat and mature cheeses.

98 points Annuario Del Migliori Vini Luca Maroni

From the warm, sun soaked vineyards of Puglia, where olive groves and vineyards stretch toward the Adriatic, Piccini brings a modern, approachable take on the region’s rich winemaking traditions. The Piccini family has been crafting wines since 1882, originally in Tuscany, and over generations has expanded across Italy, always with a focus on capturing regional character while keeping the wines accessible and full of charm.

This Leggero Appassimento style gently nods to the traditional drying of grapes, where a portion of the fruit is partially dried to concentrate flavour. Here it is handled with a lighter touch, aiming for richness and softness without tipping into heaviness, making it a very drinkable expression of southern Italian warmth.

Deep ruby with a plush core, the aromatics are generous and inviting. Ripe blackberry, plum and cherry come forward, layered with hints of dried fruit, sweet spice and a touch of cocoa. There is a softness to the nose that feels immediately appealing.

The palate follows through with a smooth, rounded texture. Dark fruits sit at the centre, supported by gentle tannins and a subtle sweetness of fruit that gives the wine a plush, easy going feel. Notes of spice, a hint of vanilla and a faint savoury edge keep it from becoming too simple, while the finish remains soft and satisfying.

This is made for relaxed, flavour packed meals. Think slow cooked meatballs in tomato sauce, wood fired pizza with spicy salami, or roasted vegetables with herbs and olive oil. It also works well with barbecue dishes where that ripe fruit can balance smoky flavours.

Best enjoyed in its youth while that plush fruit is at its most expressive, over the next three to five years.

There is a laid back, generous personality here, the kind of wine that suits casual dinners, shared plates and evenings that don’t need much planning.