Salento Negroamaro IGT Jo with Wooden Case - Gianfranco Fino

 "Jo" is a Negroamaro that directly evokes the Ionian Sea and the profound identity of Salento. The name embodies the terroir, the grape variety, and its Mediterranean roots, resulting in an elegant yet structured wine with a clear varietal character.

 Type: Salento IGT
 Origin: Manduria (TA), Puglia – Italy
 Grape varieties: Negroamaro
 Alcohol Content: 12 – 13%
 Format: 75 cl - Magnum with wooden case
 Allergens: Sulphites
 Chalice: Balloon
 Serving temperature: 14 – 15°C

 Tasting Notes: Color: Intense red with deep reflections. Aroma: Elegant and complex, with notes of ripe red fruits, Mediterranean herbs, and light spicy nuances. Palate: Full-bodied, balanced, with good structure and defined yet harmonious tannins; a persistent finish with savory aftertaste.

 Vinification: Selection on a sorting table, destemming, and soft pressing. Maceration in stainless steel for 2–3 weeks at a controlled temperature and with two daily delestages. Pressing with a vertical hydraulic press. Aged for approximately 9 months in wood, followed by approximately 12 months in bottle before release. No fining or tartaric stabilization.

 Serving suggestions: Red meats, roasts, structured Mediterranean cuisine, traditional Apulian dishes and medium-aged cheeses.

 The Winery: The Gianfranco Fino winery represents one of the most significant examples of contemporary Apulian viticulture, founded on a precise balance between respect for tradition and technical innovation. The project was born with a clear objective: to reclaim and enhance old vineyards, preserving their identity and original characteristics. The vineyards, primarily trained using the Apulian bush vine system, grow on reddish-calcareous-clay soils, in a climate influenced by the Ionian Sea breeze and intense sun exposure. This environment allows for optimal grape ripening, contributing to the wines' aromatic and structural concentration. Agronomic management is extremely rigorous: all work is done manually, and the harvest takes place at dawn, with careful selection of the bunches. The grapes are transported under controlled conditions to preserve their integrity and freshness, and the winemaking process is carried out according to precise parameters, with careful attention to temperature and processing times. Aging generally takes place in French oak barriques for at least nine months, allowing the wines to develop complexity, elegance, and depth. In 2021, the company completed a further evolutionary step with the construction of a new winery and wine resort in the Manduria countryside, designed to offer wine lovers an immersive experience, completely surrounded by vineyards. As also highlighted in the company's technical document, the production approach combines manual grape selection, careful vinification, and lengthy aging (even over 36 months on the lees for some wines), confirming a philosophy focused on absolute quality and the valorization of the territory. The result is a production that stands out for its identity, technical precision, and strong connection to Salento, interpreted in a contemporary way without losing authenticity.