The Copertino Cooperative was established in 1935 when a group of visionary growers, from a tiny town in the heart of the Salento peninsula's wine growing region, decided to produce higher quality wine from their traditional indigenous grapes. By maintaining lower yields in the vineyards and with meticulous attention to detail in the cellar, the resulting wines emphasized the terroir of the region and the DOC Copertino was ultimately established in 1976. Today the cooperative numbers 300 proud members who each manage their own harvest. The area under vine is made up of 300 hectares planted mostly to traditional varieties: Negroamaro, Malvasia Nera, and Primitivo. The DOC Copertino is located in Salento in the south of Puglia on a clay soil structure on top of hard limestone (tufa) that lies just above sea level. In the cellar, during vinification and aging, the goal is to emphasize the character of the region through distinctive wines of elegance and harmony.

Copertino Riserva is made from predominantly Negroamaro grapes with a small percentage of Malvasia Nera. The maceration is 7 - 8 days at 28°C followed by gentle pressing, fermentation, and aging in stainless steel. This Riserva wine is made only in the best vintages and released at the winemaker's discretion after several years of bottle aging.

Tasting Note: This is an intriguing red that’s aging gracefully, with delicate notes of baked cherry and black fig fruit accented by dried thyme, incense, and leather. Well-knit and focused, with light, silky tannins, this is still fresh thanks to its light orange peel acidity and the tang of minerally iron and salt notes. Drink now through 2027. Perfect for pizza, burgers, red sauce, and meat pasta. Wine Spectator: 90 $15.00/bottle

Order Requests: Please e-mail me your request NLT this Wednesday, June 1st. Confirmed orders will be available to pick-up Friday, June 3rd.