La Fonte d'Oro 2023

La Fonte d'Oro's built up quite a fan club since it first arrived in 2008. It's a velvet-smooth red packed with black fruit flavour thanks to some brilliantly creative winemaking, courtesy of the fabulously talented Gaetone Carron. He knew that by drying the finest Negroamaro and Primitivo grapes, two Puglian varieties that ooze dense, ripe fruit character, he’d concentrate their flavours even more. Of course this is a costly way to make wine (which is why famous Amarone starts at around £20), but the results are impressive. After two weeks’ drying, the grapes are pressed, extracting super-rich, flavour-packed juice. Six months ageing in oak adds layers of vanilla and spice to the wine's dark, ripe fruit. Decant and serve with a rich stew.