Corsiero Nero 2015

In days gone by, when winemakers were less clued up, Nero di Troia produced wines with terrific depth and colour but rather too much tannin. So cellars tended to blend it with softer varieties. Top consultant Mario Ercolino, however, knows exactly how to get the most from this grape and has made Corsiero – deliciously dark and velvety. Nero di Troia is named after the city of Troia in northern Puglia, which Greek hero Diomedes is said to have founded after defeating Troy in Asia Minor with the famed Trojan Horse. Just outside Troia, the story goes, Diomedes planted vine cuttings that were named Nero after their dark skinned grapes and the deep coloured wine they produced. Rich, warming Corsiero is perfect with pasta or hearty meat dishes.