From southern Italy, this internationally-styled offering is a blend of 80% Toria and 20% Malbec. The 1998 was aged in 20% new barriques. The wine reveals chocolatey, currant, and blackberry flavors, good spicy new oak, a serious style, moderate tannin, and excellent purity. It is best drunk in its exuberant youth, over the next 3-4 years. A Marc de Grazia Selection, various American importers, including Michael Skurnik, Syosset, NY; tel. (516) 677-9300, Vin Divino, Chicago, IL; tel. (773) 334-6700, and Estate Wines, Ltd., San Rafael, CA; tel. (415) 492-9411

Aromas of aniseed and light fruit. Medium- to light-bodied, with ripe fruit character and a light finish. A bit dry. 500 cases made.??–JS??Region: Italy / South / Puglia / Castel del Monte Select to Add