The Salento Peninsula is the "heel" of Italy's "boot" It is an immensely productive winegrowing region that is beginning to get some well-deserved recognition. Over the years, we have offered many Apulian bottlings and, as local winemaking has improved, Apulian wines are now regarded as among the world's best wine values. The combination of ripe, spicy fruit with the elemental Italianate structure and character makes Apulian reds a crowd favorite. We are delighted to offer an outstanding Apulian red as our Wine of the Month. The 2005 Télero Rosso del Salento from Cantele is a lovely, aromatic and flavorful red that exhibits the rich style of the region at a great price!

Apulia is a veritable sea of vineyards with some surprisingly cool areas where quality grapes are grown. Even in the warmer districts, modern viticultural and vinification techniques have resulted in progressively better wines. Those of you who are familiar with other Apulian reds like Salice Salentino are sure to like this one. The '05 Télero Rosso del Salento is made largely from the Negroamaro grape variety - a traditional local favorite that provides intense fruit, a firm structure, and a distinctive rustic character. The brawny and spicy Negroamaro is blended with the more refined Cabernet Sauvignon. The result is a red with a splendid balance of brightness, depth, and finesse that will appeal to red wine drinkers of all stripes.

A deep ruby in color, the 2005 Télero Rosso del Salento is impressive even in the glass. The bouquet is rich with ripe plum, blackberry and black cherry fruit scents backed by elements of flowers, earth, herbs and black-peppery spice. On the palate, the wine is juicy, ripe and lively with bold black fruit flavors and herbal, spicy elements that make the wine an assertive and pleasing mouthful. Serve this delicious red with pasta, pizza, full-flavored cheeses, spicy stews, or just by itself, when you're in the mood for a flavorful, dry red wine. Fully enjoyable now, the '05 Télero Rosso del Salento will provide lots of drinking pleasure for another 1-2 years. It's a great buy at this price.