Mottura, Negroamaro del Salento 2023

Get to know: Mottura Negroamaro del Salento

Tasting Note

This Mottura Negroamaro del Salento is a deep ruby-red Italian red wine with just a flicker of purple at the rim – very striking in the glass. The nose is generous and persistent, packed with ripe red fruit, plum, a touch of liquorice and warm, earthy spice.

On the palate, it’s fresh yet soft, with a lovely balance between fruit and tannin – nothing too grippy, just smooth and well-orchestrated. There's even a gently bitter, almondy finish that keeps you going back for another sip.

• Grilled red meats – steak, sausages, or a smoky burger

• Lentil and mushroom ragu served over pappardelle or polenta

• Aged cheeses – try with mature cheddar or an aged pecorino for a knockout combo

Serve slightly below room temp (14–16°C) for best results.

Kate Says

"This is such a solid all-rounder – smooth, ripe, and just that little bit spicy. It’s got a lovely balance, with a soft finish that makes it super drinkable. Great with roast dinners or rich veggie dishes. Proper southern Italian warmth in a bottle."

Producer Info

Founded in 1927, the Mottura winery in Tuglie, Salento, has been run by the same family for four generations – a proper family-run winery with deep roots and a knack for keeping things both traditional and fresh. They specialise in native Apulian grapes, and their Negroamaro del Salento is one of the finest examples of what this sunny southern region can do.

The grapes for the Negroamaro del Salento IGT Villa Mottura are grown on clay and limestone soils, which add body and structure. The vineyards benefit from the dry Mediterranean climate and are cultivated using a mix of modern trellising and old-school bush-trained vines, which give the wine extra concentration.

At harvest, the grapes are picked by hand at peak ripeness – no corners cut. Fermentation involves traditional maceration for about 8 days, along with techniques like delestage and pumping over, which help extract rich colour and flavour while keeping the tannins soft and round.

Before release, the wine is rested for 2–3 months in bottle – just enough to settle and smooth out, without losing that fresh fruit character.

Mottura is also serious about sustainability. They follow an Integrated Production Protocol that reduces synthetic pesticides and focuses on safe, environmentally responsible winemaking – so you can enjoy this wine knowing it’s made with care.