Varvaglione Salice Salentino Puglia Italy

This organically farmed red from southern Italy is a rich, velvety blend of Negroamaro and Malvasia Nera from Puglia. Full of ripe dark berry fruit with hints of cocoa and soft, smooth tannins, it's warm, generous and beautifully balanced, making it an easy wine to enjoy. Ranked comfortably among the top 4% of all wines in the world on Vivino, it is an outstanding choice for cozy dinner parties, family Sunday roasts, or a relaxed evening treat.

Tasting Notes & Food Pairings

The Profile:

An inviting nose of black cherry, dark plum, and blackberry, layered with warm vanilla, espresso, and sweet dark cocoa. On the palate, it is smooth and harmonious, delivering juicy black fruit flavours backed by supple, velvety tannins and a long, lingering finish of dried herbs and sweet spice.

Classic Pairings:

 Slow-roasted shoulder of lamb with rosemary, rich tomato-based pasta sauces, or a board of mature aged cheeses like Pecorino.

Irish Favourite Pairings:

• Chipper Garlic & Cheese Chips: The creamy melted cheese and garlic mayo soften the wine's tannins, making it taste smoother and bringing out its ripe black cherry and plum flavours.
• Traditional Irish Shepherd's Pie: The rich lamb and savoury gravy are a great match for the wine's earthy character and gentle spice. The protein in the meat also softens the tannins, giving both the wine and the dish a smoother, more rounded finish.

Awards & Accolades

Official Awards: Frequently recognized by top critics and international panels, earning high praise and 91–92 point ratings from James Suckling alongside prestigious Gold and Grand Gold medals at the Mundus Vini Spring and Summer Tastings.

Vivino Recognition: Holds a brilliant 4.0-star community rating, placing it in the top 4% of all wines globally and the top 6% of wines from Salice Salentino.  

How the wine is made

Crafted from a classic Puglian blend of 85% Negroamaro and 15% Malvasia Nera, the grapes are grown in the clay and sandy soils of Puglia's sun-drenched Salento peninsula. The organically farmed vines, averaging 30 to 40 years of age, yield naturally concentrated fruit that is harvested at peak maturity. Following temperature-controlled maceration and fermentation, the wine undergoes malolactic fermentation before refining in French oak tonneaux and American oak barriques for at least 10 months, developing its signature cocoa complexity and silky tannic structure.

Ranked comfortably among the top 4% of all wines in the world on Vivino, it is an outstanding choice for cozy dinner parties, family Sunday roasts, or a relaxed evening treat.

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.