Cantine Sampietrana, Brindisi Riserva 2022

Get to know: Cantina Sampietrana, Brindisi Riserva 2022

A captivating and flavoursome Italian red wine from Puglia.

Tasting Note

This full-bodied southern Italian red drinks like a long, slow evening - rich aromas of blackberry, blackcurrant and plum lead into deeper notes of liquorice, dried herbs and warming spice (clove, cinnamon). On the palate it's velvety and layered: juicy black fruit, black olive, and a hint of vanilla and dark chocolate from the 12 months in Allier oak barriques. The 2022 vintage is dry, structured and smooth, with a long, elegant finish and a proper balance between tannin and freshness. Big, bold, and beautifully made.

Top food pairings:

• Spiced dishes and Mediterranean stews
• Roast meats, particularly lamb or beef
• Aged cheeses such as Pecorino or Parmigiano

Kate Says

"From the heel of Italy, this is just a banger of a wine for us, everyone who tries it loves it. Concentrated dark fruit, richness from oak and velvety smooth. Try it with a spicy pasta dish."

Producer Info

Cantine Sampietrana was founded in 1952 by 68 vine-growers in Puglia and has evolved from a bulk-wine co-operative into a modern, quality-focused winery. Their old vines - many over 50 years old - are trained in the traditional Apulian “small tree” (alberello) system, and the team combines careful soil science with modern technology to produce DOP-certified wines that stay rooted in local tradition.

How it’s made:

• Varieties: 80% Negroamaro, 20% Montepulciano
• Hand-harvested grapes from early September
• Aged 12 months in Allier oak barriques, followed by 1 year in bottle
• Vine training system: Apulian small tree
• Yield: 6,000 kg per hectare
• Natural vinification with careful temperature control
• Minimal intervention to preserve varietal expression

Good to know:

• Region: Brindisi DOP, Puglia, Italy
• Style: Red, still, medium-bodied wine
• Closure: Cork
• Vegan: Yes
• ABV: 13.5%
• Vintage: 2022

Why we love it:

This Pulian red wine beautifully balances tradition and modernity. With its elegant structure, persistent finish, and versatile food pairings, it’s a perfect choice for spiced dishes, roasts, and aged cheeses, offering a true taste of southern Italy.