Cupertinum Cantina Sociale Cooperativa Di Copertino Rosso Riserva

Cupertinum Cantina Sociale Cooperativa di Copertino Rosso Riserva is a benchmark red from Salento, in the heel of Italy’s “boot.” Produced under the Copertino Rosso Riserva DOC, it is rooted in the region’s flagship grape, Negroamaro, supported by small percentages of Malvasia Nera and Montepulciano. This combination delivers a wine that is unapologetically southern Italian: dark-fruited, savory, and firmly structured, yet smoothed by long, patient maturation. 

The fruit comes from older vines, many trained in the traditional Apulian bush-vine system on clay soils over tuff. These low, gnarled vines naturally limit yields, concentrating flavor in the grapes. After a relatively long maceration, the wine begins its defining journey: extended aging for roughly eight to nine years in underground vitrified cement tanks, followed by further time in steel and bottle before release. This old-school approach encourages a slow, steady evolution, softening the tannins and building complexity without masking the fruit. 

In the glass, the wine shows a deep ruby color with garnet highlights, a visual cue to its maturity. The nose is intense and layered, with blackberries, dark plum, and dried red fruits interwoven with notes of Mediterranean scrub, leather, and a subtle earthy undertone. On the palate, it is warm and generous, medium- to full-bodied, with flavors that echo the nose plus nuanced hints of almond and blackcurrant on a long, persistent finish. Tannins are present but rounded, supported by balanced acidity that keeps the wine food-friendly rather than heavy. 

This Rosso Riserva is made for the table. It pairs naturally with braised or roasted red meats, lamb shanks, slow-cooked ragù over pasta, rich stews, and game dishes, as well as aged hard cheeses. Serve it at cellar temperature and give it a brief decant to let the mature aromatics open up. For customers seeking an authentic taste of traditional Salento winemaking, serious structure, long aging, and real depth at a very approachable price, Cupertinum Copertino Rosso Riserva is a standout choice.