Severino Garofano has been Puglia’s most important consulting enologist over the past quarter century, and his home base over this period has been the cooperative winery of Copertino. With 1000 acres of vineyards to choose from, there is plenty of wine to select, and the 2000 Copertino Riserva, a 450,000 bottle cuvee, gives a good idea of what Negro Amaro and Malvasia can give at popular prices. Ruby/garnet in color, its nose of macerated cherries, leather and game is followed by soft and warmly alcoholic flavors, adequate body and length, and a supple finish which indicate that the wine is now ready for drinking.Importer: Dufour & Co. Ltd., Boston, MA; tel. (617) 734-6488