Varvaglione Paralupi Appassimento Rosso Puglia Italy

Produced from organically grown grapes using the traditional appassimento technique, this Pugliese red is generous, velvety and beautifully balanced. Layers of ripe black cherry, dark chocolate and sweet vanilla spice are supported by smooth tannins and a long, warming finish. The blend of Primitivo, Negroamaro and Malvasia Nera creates a rich, satisfying wine that's perfect for slow evenings and hearty meals.

Tasting Notes & Food Pairings

The Profile:

An intense, deep ruby red with dark violet highlights, opening with decadent aromas of sour cherry preserve, dark plum, roasted coffee beans, dark chocolate, and sweet vanilla oak. The palate is rich, opulent, and full-bodied, serving up layers of stewed dark berries and cocoa framed by silky, rounded tannins and a long, warming finish.

Classic Pairings:

Slow-braised beef short ribs, venison ragù over pappardelle, roasted lamb shanks, or aged hard cheeses like Pecorino Pugliese and mature Gouda.

Irish Favourite Pairings:

• Classic Irish Shepherd's Pie – The wine's rich, full-bodied character and concentrated dark fruit complement the savoury lamb and rich gravy, while its smooth tannins pair beautifully with the buttery mashed potato topping.
• Pepperoni & Spicy Beef Pizza – The ripe fruit flavours and subtle sweetness from the appassimento method balance the spicy cured meats, melted mozzarella and tangy tomato sauce, making it an excellent match for pizza night.

Awards & Accolades

Official Awards: Awarded a **Gold Medal** at the prestigious *Mundus Vini* competition and scored an impressive **90 Points** in the *Falstaff Guida Vini Italia*. –

How the wine is made

Crafted in Taranto, Puglia, from organically farmed Primitivo, Negroamaro, and Malvasia Nera grapes. To achieve its trademark concentration, the grapes undergo *appassimento* directly on the vine—left to naturally dry and dehydrate in the warm Southern Italian sun for around 20 days prior to harvest. Following a cold pre-fermentation maceration to extract intense fruit aromatics and color, the wine undergoes controlled fermentation and malolactic conversion before aging for approximately 6 months in French oak barriques to develop its velvety texture and soft spice.

Why we love this producer

Varvaglione 1921 is a powerhouse of history, standing proudly as one of the oldest and most respected family wineries in Southern Italy, now spanning four generations. Based in Leporano on the picturesque Gulf of Taranto, the estate is passionately focused on elevating Puglia's native varietals while masterfully blending them with international grapes tailored to modern styles. We love them because they capture the warm, ancient soul of Apulian winemaking and wrap it in a clean, beautifully accessible, and incredibly forward-thinking package.

Sustainability & Farming Practices

Varvaglione focuses heavily on low-impact, sustainable agriculture across their historic Salento holdings. The estate utilizes natural methods to foster biodiversity in the soil, relying on carefully timed hand-management and defensive cover crops to preserve natural water table moisture and protect the vineyard from erosion under the intense Southern Italian sun.