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 Producer:
Ferrari
Region: Puglia
DOC(G):
N/A
About the Producer:
1959 is recorded
as the hottest year of the century in Puglia, not the typical conditions
that allow for greatness in winemaking. However, it was a Piemonte
negociant who had the foresight to create Puglia’s crowning
sweet wine. Antonio Ferrari developed a passion for Puglia’s
land, its unique Primitivo varietal, and the local farmers while
investing in a cellar before heading back to the hills of Piemonte.
However, his heart remained in the South and looked to create a
wine from this soil.
With the advanced state of the overripe grapes of 1959 dehydrating
on the vines, Ferrari had the Primitivo grapes trucked up to his Piemonte
vinification center. At the time he had calculated the potential alcohol
content to be 21% and expected to create a historically big, high
alcohol wine. He had the print shops develop the labels with the estimated
alcohol content and began to prepare his distribution. However, during
a rapid temperature change in the cool hills of Novara, fermentation
stopped at about 14%, leaving residual sugar and a sweetness to the
wines. Realizing what had happened and envisioning the wine’s
destiny, he placed the juice for ten years in the best Slovenian casks
he could find before leaving it for another 35 years in a cement cask
at the Ferrari winery. During this period, Antonio gave only one bottle
of this mystical wine away, as he felt the market was not ready for
this masterpiece. Over two years ago Antonio passed away and his daughter
now looks to complete her father’s journey.
Solaria Jonica lands somewhere between a Recioto and a Port, displaying
the lavish opulence of the finest dessert wines. With 45 years
of age on it, the wine miraculously still displays a vibrant ruby
color and boasts aromas of blackberries and espresso. On the palate,
the tell-tale flavors of raisins, chocolate, and licorice are followed
by massive concentration and warmth which are matched only by its
depth and lush richness. The wine never becomes overly sweet or
syrupy and is held in check by its awesome flavors and focus. Prepare
your palate for a marathon finish.
Featured Wine(s):
Antonio
Ferrari Solaria Jonica
To purchase these wines, call our Portfolio
Managers at 212.473.2323.
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