2021 Santa Lucia - Le More Castel del Monte DOC Nero do Troia (750ml)

Santa Lucia is a family-run estate in Corato, Puglia, with roots reaching back to 1822 under the Perrone Capano family. The estate has focused for generations on Nero di Troia, the region's signature red grape, working exclusively with its own vineyards on limestone-rich slopes near the Castel del Monte zone. Since 2013 the property has farmed organically, producing some of the most distinctive expressions of Puglia's native varieties.

Le More is produced from a single vineyard, Castigliola, planted with a farm-selected clone of Nero di Troia at roughly 250 meters above sea level. Grapes are picked entirely by hand in early October, then sorted and macerated in rotating stainless steel tanks using a combined hot and cold technique. Malolactic fermentation takes place in steel before the wine moves to French oak barriques for aging, followed by additional time resting in bottle prior to release.

The nose offers dark berries, ripe red fruit steeped almost in spirit, along with baking spice, bay leaf, and a trace of licorice. The palate is full and structured, with firm but polished tannin and a long, savory finish. Pair it with grilled lamb, aged pecorino, or braised meats in rich tomato sauce.