Tenute Girolamo 'Conte Giangirolamo' Puglia IGT 2018 750ml

Product Info

Terroir
The 2018 “Conte Giangirolamo” from Tenute Girolamo is a powerful yet polished expression of southern Italian terroir, rooted in the sun-drenched vineyards of Puglia in Italy. Located along the Adriatic side of the region, these vineyards benefit from a unique interplay between Mediterranean warmth and coastal influence.

The climate is characteristically hot and dry, with long, sun-filled days that ensure full ripening of late-maturing varieties such as Primitivo and Aglianico. However, cooling breezes from the Adriatic Sea provide essential moderation, helping to preserve acidity and prevent excessive overripeness. This balance between heat and ventilation allows for both richness and structure in the final wine.

The soils are predominantly calcareous clay, interspersed with limestone and sandy components. These soils retain sufficient moisture to sustain the vines through the dry summer months while also offering good drainage. Limestone contributes structure and freshness, while clay enhances body and depth.

Low-yielding vines, often trained using traditional methods, produce small, concentrated berries. The result is a wine that captures the intensity of Puglia’s climate while maintaining balance and varietal definition.

Winemaking & Technical Notes
At Tenute Girolamo, the “Conte Giangirolamo” represents a flagship expression, crafted with an emphasis on structure, concentration, and refinement. The wine is typically composed of a blend of indigenous varieties—50% Primitivo and 50% Negroamaro—selected for their complementary characteristics.

Grapes are harvested at optimal ripeness, often slightly later in the season to ensure full phenolic maturity. Following careful sorting, fermentation takes place in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks, allowing for precise management of extraction.

Extended maceration is employed to build depth of color, tannin, and flavor, a key factor in the wine’s structure and aging potential. Gentle extraction techniques are used to maintain balance and avoid excessive harshness.

After fermentation, the wine is aged in oak barrels—typically a combination of French and American oak—for 12 to 18 months. This élevage contributes layers of spice, vanilla, and toasted notes, while softening the wine’s tannins and integrating its components.

The wine is then further refined in bottle before release. Alcohol levels are 14.5%, reflecting the warmth of the region, yet balanced by sufficient acidity and structure.

The result is a wine that marries southern Italian richness with a more structured, internationally styled polish.

Tasting Notes
The 2018 “Conte Giangirolamo” pours a deep, inky ruby color with garnet reflections, signaling both concentration and maturity. The nose is intense and opulent, opening with aromas of ripe black cherry, plum, and blackberry, layered with notes of dried fig and black currant.

As the wine evolves, a complex array of secondary aromas emerges—vanilla, cocoa, and sweet spice from oak aging, alongside hints of tobacco, leather, and a touch of Mediterranean herbs. A subtle balsamic nuance adds depth and intrigue.

On the palate, the wine is full-bodied and richly textured, with a dense core of dark fruit supported by firm, well-integrated tannins. Flavors of blackberry, plum, and black cherry are complemented by notes of chocolate, licorice, and spice.

Despite its richness, the wine maintains balance through a thread of acidity that provides lift and prevents heaviness. The texture is smooth and enveloping, with a polished structure that reflects careful winemaking.

The finish is long and persistent, marked by lingering dark fruit, spice, and a gentle warmth. The overall impression is one of power and depth, balanced by refinement and harmony.

Food Pairing & Service
“Conte Giangirolamo” 2018 is a robust and versatile food wine, ideally suited to rich and flavorful dishes that can match its intensity.

It pairs beautifully with grilled or roasted meats, including beef, lamb, and pork, as well as slow-cooked dishes such. The wine’s richness and spice also complement barbecue and dishes with smoky elements.

Traditional southern Italian cuisine—such as pasta with rich meat sauces, eggplant dishes, or roasted vegetables—provides excellent pairings, highlighting the wine’s savory and herbal notes. Aged cheeses, particularly those with bold flavors, also work well.

Serve at 60–65°F (15–18°C) in a large red wine glass. Decanting for 1–2 hours is recommended to allow the wine to open and fully express its complexity.

Cellaring Potential
The 2018 “Conte Giangirolamo” has the structure and concentration to age gracefully over the next 8–12 years. While already expressive, it will benefit from additional time in bottle to further integrate its components.

With aging, the wine’s primary fruit will evolve into more complex tertiary notes—dried fruit, leather, tobacco, and spice—while the tannins soften and become more harmonious. The wine’s balance of richness, acidity, and structure will allow it to maintain vitality over time.

For those seeking a bold yet refined expression of Puglia, this wine offers both immediate appeal and the potential for rewarding development in the cellar.