CONTRADA DEL FALCO Rosso Salento IGP 2021 (3 bottles)

"Contrada del Falco" Rosso Salento IGP 2021 / San Donaci / Apulia

Container of 3 bottles

Red wine from Italy

The Contrada del Falco Rosso Salento IGP 2021 is a characterful red blend from southern Italy, crafted by the historic Cantina San Donaci. Nestled in the heart of Salento, between Taranto, Brindisi and Lecce, the winery was founded in 1933 by twelve local growers. Today, it counts around 300 members whose grapes are vinified using state-of-the-art cellar technology—always with the aim of preserving and enhancing the region’s distinctive aromas and organoleptic qualities. Ageing in oak barrels plays a central role, lending the wine its unmistakable depth.

The grapes for this Italian red are sourced from sun-drenched vineyards surrounding San Donaci. Cultivation takes place on medium-textured mixed soils using the traditional Apulian free-standing system, which provides ideal conditions for healthy, aromatic fruit. With approximately 4,000 vines per hectare and yields of 60–70 quintals, the focus is firmly on quality.

Contrada del Falco brings together three expressive grape varieties: Negroamaro, known for its robust structure and low yields; Primitivo, genetically identical to Zinfandel and celebrated for its high sugar content and harmonious flavour; and Malvasia, a time-honoured variety with ancient roots that adds aromatic finesse to the blend.

Following selective hand-harvesting, the grapes undergo a three-day maceration on the skins at controlled temperatures. The wine is then matured for twelve months in barriques, gaining complexity and elegance.

In the glass, the Rosso Salento reveals a deep ruby hue with garnet highlights. The bouquet is intense and layered: dark forest berries, ripe plums, Mediterranean herbs such as rosemary and thyme, and a delicate touch of vanilla from the oak. On the palate, the wine is dry, full-bodied and harmonious. Its spicy notes are fresh and well-integrated, the tannins silky and well-structured. The finish is long and smooth—a red wine of quiet confidence and inner tension.

Serving suggestion: Contrada del Falco Rosso Salento IGP shows best at 18–20 °C and pairs beautifully with hearty meat dishes such as lamb cutlets, venison ragout or roast beef with a herb crust. It also complements Mediterranean specialities like aubergine bake, pasta al forno or spicy fennel salami. Mature cheeses—think Pecorino or Taleggio—round off the experience. Even enjoyed on its own, this wine offers a contemplative moment of pleasure.

With a cellaring potential of 5 to 6 years, Contrada del Falco will continue to develop in depth and remain a reliable companion for discerning wine lovers until at least 2027.

Its name pays homage to a local legend: tree falcons, en route to Africa, are said to have rested beneath the broad leaves of native grapevines—a poetic tribute to Salento’s deep connection with nature.

This offer comprises a set of three 0.75-litre bottles—perfect for those who wish to savour this distinctive red across several occasions or share it with fellow enthusiasts.

General properties

• Vintage: 2021
• Ageing: Dry
• Country: Italy
• Region: Apulia
• Volume: 2.25 litres

Detailed properties

• Producer and bottler: Cantina San Donaci - Via Mesagne 62 - 72025 San Donaci (Brindisi) - Italia - +39 0831 681005
• Quality Designation: Indicazione Geografica Protetta (IGP)
• Grape: 50% Negroamaro, 25% Malvasia and 25% Primitivo.
• Origin: The grapes for this wine are sourced from the sun-drenched region of Salento, specifically from vineyards surrounding the historic town of San Donaci – a traditional centre of Apulian viticulture, where the Mediterranean climate and limestone-rich soils provide ideal conditions for producing full-bodied, characterful red wines.
• Soil type and cultivation system: Viticulture takes place on medium-textured mixed soils, offering a balanced composition of mineral and organic elements. These conditions provide an ideal foundation for the development of aromatic, well-structured grapes. The vines are cultivated using the traditional Apulian free-standing system – a historic training method in which each plant grows independently, allowing for natural expansion. This approach promotes optimal sun exposure and air circulation, contributing positively to both the ripening process and the overall health of the fruit.
• Plant density and yield: About 4000 plants per hectare. A yield of 60 to 70q per hectare.
• Vinification: Following a selective hand harvest, vinification begins with a traditional three-day maceration, during which the must remains on the skins at a controlled temperature. This process allows for targeted extraction of colour, tannins and aromatic compounds. The wine then matures for approximately twelve months in barrique barrels, where its structure is refined and its depth and complexity enhanced through subtle oak influence.
• Scent: A powerful and multi-layered aromatic profile unfolds with the very first swirl of the glass. Dark forest berries and ripe plums form the fruit-driven foundation, framed by a spicy accord of Mediterranean herbs such as rosemary and thyme. A delicate hint of vanilla – subtle and seductive – speaks to the wine’s gentle maturation in barrique, adding an elegant depth to the bouquet. Overall, the nose is intense, characterful and marked by a remarkable aromatic density.
• Taste: On the palate, the wine is dry and powerful, with a remarkable fullness that generously coats the mouth. Fresh, vibrant and finely woven spicy notes lend it a distinctly Mediterranean depth, without compromising its overall balance. Silky tannins provide both structure and elegance, while the finish unfolds slowly and smoothly, carried by a harmonious interplay of fruit, spice and subtle oak nuances. This is a wine that doesn’t shout – it captivates with quiet confidence and poised intensity.
• Colour: Ruby red with light orange reflections.
• Alcohol content: 14.5 % Vol.
• Acid: 5.6 g/l
• Residual sugar: 8.0 g/l
• Closure type: Natural cork.
• Serving recommendation: The Contrada del Falco Rosso Salento IGP 2021 is a bold southern Italian red that pairs particularly well with hearty meat dishes such as lamb cutlets, venison stew or roast beef with a herb crust. Its aromatic profile also complements Mediterranean specialities like aubergine bake, pasta al forno and spicy fennel salami. Mature cheeses – including Pecorino, Caciocavallo or a well-aged Taleggio – provide a fitting finale to the culinary experience. Even without food, this wine reveals a contemplative depth, making it an ideal companion for characterful evenings of pure enjoyment.
• Serving Temperature: Best enjoyed at a room temperature of 18 to 20 °C. A brief decanting of around 30 minutes is recommended to allow the wine’s spicy and fruit-driven nuances to unfold in a balanced and expressive manner.
• Cellaring Potential: The Contrada del Falco Rosso Salento IGP 2021 offers a reliable ageing potential of approximately 5 to 6 years from harvest. Thanks to its balanced structure, robust alcohol content and maturation in barrique, the wine gradually gains additional depth and complexity over time. Spicy and fruity elements become increasingly integrated, while the tannins soften, enhancing overall elegance. When stored under optimal conditions – cool, dark and with stable temperature – it can be enjoyed with confidence until around 2027, offering a rewarding ageing journey for lovers of southern Italian red wines.
• Ingredients: Grapes, Concentrated must; Preservatives and antioxidants: Metabisulphite; Stabilisers: Polyaspartate; Gases and packaging gases: Nitrogen; Other processes: Sorbate.
• Allergens: Contains sulphites.
• EAN (bottle): 8023909010057
• Bottle type: Disposable (no deposit)
• Scope of supply: 3 x 0.75 litres = 2.25 litres.

Grape variety

NEGROAMARO

The Negroamaro, a red grape variety originating from Apulia in Southern Italy, likely derives its name from the combination of "negro" (black) and "amaro" (bitter), indicative of the grape's distinctive qualities. This vine is characterized by its dark, almost black-purple hue, with large, round, deep green leaves and slightly fuzzy shoot tips. The medium-sized, compact grapes are conically shaped and boast dark purple to black, thick skins. The late ripening allows vintners to harvest optimally, resulting in wines with complex aromas and well-balanced acidity. Flourishing in Apulia's warm climate, the Negroamaro thrives, yielding wines with high alcohol content and balanced acidity. These versatile wines can be enjoyed as standalone varietals or blended in cuvées, contributing to the diverse wine landscape of Apulia. Overall, the adaptability of Negroamaro enhances the region's wine diversity, making it highly popular locally.

MALVASIA

The Malvasia Nera, a red grape variety likely originating in Italy, was cultivated in antiquity by Greek settlers. Today, it is found in Tuscany, Apulia, and other regions of Italy. The medium-sized, round leaves of the plant are deep green. The conically shaped grapes are medium-sized and loosely structured, allowing good ventilation and reducing the risk of fungal diseases. The small, round berries have a thick skin and vary from dark blue to black depending on ripeness. Malvasia Nera thrives in Mediterranean climates with warm summers and mild winters, particularly well in Apulia. Primarily used for red wines, its products are characterized by robust structure, good tannins, and complex aromas. The grapes are suitable for both varietal wines and blends with other grape varieties.

PRIMITIVO

The Primitivo grape variety, a red grape, is predominantly found in Apulia, Southern Italy. Its origins are believed to trace back to the Dalmatian region. The name "Primitivo" alludes to the early ripening of the grapes (Italian: "primo" means "first"). DNA analyses in the 1990s revealed its genetic kinship with Zinfandel, drawing international attention and elevating the popularity of Apulian Primitivo wines beyond Italy. Winemakers are increasingly focusing on producing high-quality wines, employing modern cultivation methods, and utilizing Barriques for maturation. The Primitivo plant boasts large, hand-shaped leaves and conical to cylindrical clusters of dark blue to violet grapes. The berries are medium to large, juicy, with a high sugar content. Primitivo adapts well to diverse conditions, ripens early, allowing for an early harvest, and has a historical journey encompassing migration, association with Zinfandel, and recognition as a distinct grape variety. Today, Primitivo is internationally acknowledged as a sophisticated grape for robust red wines.