Tasted at Radici: Podere 29

Podere 29 was established in 1942 under the ONC, or Opera Nazionale Combattenti program, which gave farmland to ex soldiers, much the way the Roman Republic once did. The original grant was 22 hectares in a single lot, and by the time the current owners took over in 2004 the property was in a state of total abandon. They have at present 4.5 hectares of Nero di Troia, planted in 2005, and this was their first vintage.

Gelso Nero Nero di Troia 2009

Deep black cherry ruby with black reflections. The bouquet is fresh, with red berry fruit supported by spice and some peppery accents with slight graphite shavings and pleasant berry fruit acidity. On the palate it's quite pleasant, with bright sour berry fruit supported by lively cherry acidity and tannins that have a bright graphite burr and flow into a clean smooth berry fruit finish with lasting slightly bitter warmth. Quite pleasant, especially considering the youth of the vineyard; there's nice concentration and fruit, and while it does display Nero di Troia's trademark tannins they support without distracting. A fine wine for succulent red meats, and I have written in my notes, in capital letters, STEAK.
2 stars

This fall they planted Fiano Minutolo, and I will be curious to taste it in a few years' time.

The Image is lifted from their site.