The 1998 Quarantale is the top of the line wine and is dedicated to the memory of Mino Calo. Barrel-aged, it is oaky in aroma with ripe plum and black cherry fruit and with good length and intensity on the palate, but the slightly dry finish raises some questions about the wine’s long-term ability to round itself off. Drink: 2005-2008.
Mino Calo was one of the first producers in the Salento, the “heel” of Italy’s boot, to believe in the quality potential of Negro Amaro and Malvasia Nera, and his wines were already showing well in the 1980’s. His family continues his work, and recent releases indicate that the quality level he established has been maintained.
Importer: Vinifera Imports, Ronkonkoma, NY; tel. (631) 467-5907