ESP_GG_N46-WEB

ITALY
– DISCOVERY –
Podere Don Cataldo is the estate after which the Puglian company run
by Ernesto Rocca and his family is named. It follows the same quality
standards as all Rocca family wineries
Puglia is also the home of Italian rosé wines and Podere
Cataldo honours that tradition
nationally-grown cultivar Vermentino (introduced in
place of Chardonnay), and international varieties Syrah,
Merlot and Cabernet-Sauvignon.
Obviously, the region’s identity is best expressed through
its typical grape varieties.
Primitivo: ‘authentic and seductive’. A challenging grape
variety from an agricultural point of view, it is invariably
a real palate-pleaser. Despite the fact that it is the earliestripening
native Puglian red grape variety, its sugar levels
are always highly concentrated. The challenge is to
achieve a balance between alcohol and acidity. This
is made possible by early harvesting, generating fullbodied
wines with great aromatic concentration and
typical sweet notes.
Negroamaro: ‘elegant and velvety’. A generous vine
variety, it is the symbol of the Salento area and offers
velvety tannins, a full, rounded flavour and a surprising
aftertaste of Mediterranean herbs.
Nero di Troia: ‘intriguing and vigorous’. A historic vine
variety which is experiencing renewed purity. Austere
and imposing, it combines a typical explosion of red
and black fruit with notes of leather and undergrowth.
The grape lends itself to maturing in wood, displays
excellent acidity and therefore has a propensity to age.
Susumaniello: ‘rich and intense’. This is a recently
rediscovered native grape. Although in the past it was
known for its high productivity, when controlled, the
variety has the ability to produce extraordinary aromatic
concentration and epitomise the sunny Salento region.
Maximum concentration and high alcohol content
supported by excellent body make it one of the most
interesting Italian native grape varieties.
The Rocca family mature almost all their red wines in
large Slavonian oak casks for about 8 months, in a bid
to enhance the unique characters of each native grape
including their distinctive ripe fruit notes.
Oak barrels were selected for the Susumaniello grape,
however, due to the bolder structure of the wine and
they produced excellent results.
The Rocca family believes the perception of Puglian
wine has changed a great deal in recent years, due to
improved quality coinciding with greater interest in
native grapes, especially in foreign markets. The charm
of the native grapes has struck a chord with experts and
98 WINTER 2021 GILBERT & GAILLARD - THE FRENCH EXPERTS ON WINE