Notarpanaro Rosso del Salento (1983)

About this wine

The 1983 Notarpanaro Rosso del Salento from Cosimo Taurino is a testament to the aging potential of Negroamaro wines. Over the decades, it has developed a deep ruby color with subtle orange hues at the rim, indicating its maturity. The aroma is a rich blend of dried cherries, prunes, and hints of leather and tobacco, reflecting its time in the bottle. On the palate, it offers a dry, full-bodied experience with flavors of dark fruits, earthy undertones, and a touch of spice, all balanced by soft tannins and a lingering finish. This wine originates from the Salento region in Puglia, Italy, an area renowned for producing robust and age-worthy reds.

About the grape

Negroamaro is a black-skinned grape variety native to southern Italy, particularly the Salento region in Puglia. Its name combines the Italian 'negro' and Greek 'mavro,' both meaning 'black,' highlighting the grape's deep color. Historically, Negroamaro has been cultivated in Salento for centuries, thriving in the region's hot, dry climate and calcareous soils. The 1983 Cosimo Taurino Notarpanaro Rosso del Salento is a notable example of a wine made from this grape, showcasing its adaptability and the rich winemaking heritage of Salento.

Quick facts

• 🏡 The name 'Notarpanaro' originates from the estate's location, once owned by a notary named Panaro.
• 🍷 The 1983 vintage of Notarpanaro is renowned for its remarkable longevity, with bottles still showcasing vibrant flavors decades later.
• 🖤 Negroamaro, the grape used in Notarpanaro, translates to 'black bitter' in Italian, reflecting its deep color and characteristic flavor profile.
• 👨‍🌾 The Taurino family has been cultivating vines in Puglia for seven generations, emphasizing traditional methods and indigenous grape varieties.
• 🪵 Notarpanaro is aged in French oak barrels, contributing to its complex bouquet and full-bodied taste.

Palate profile

Producer

The Taurino family has been dedicated to viticulture in Puglia, Italy, for seven generations, with Francesco Taurino establishing the family business after World War II to supply authentic Apulian wines across Europe. His son, Cosimo Taurino, transitioned from his career as a chemist to focus on winemaking, achieving international recognition by bottling the family's first wine, Notarpanaro, in 1970. In 1974, a serendipitous experiment led to the creation of their flagship wine, Patriglione, made from late-harvest Negroamaro grapes. Today, the estate spans 80 hectares, primarily cultivating indigenous Negroamaro and Malvasia Nera varieties, and continues to be managed by Cosimo's wife, Rita, their daughter Rosanna, and her husband Antonio.