Varvaglione Vigne & Vini · 12 e Mezzo · Negroamaro del Salento · Puglia, Italy · 2021

The Moment

This is the bottle you open when you want comfort without complication — smooth, generous, and instantly approachable. It’s a wine for casual dinners, familiar flavors, and evenings where ease matters more than analysis.

What It Feels Like

The nose is rich and welcoming. Sour cherry and black plum lead, layered with clove, lemon tea, and a hint of orange peel. Deeper notes of tobacco, cocoa, and gentle oak round out the aromatics, giving the wine warmth and familiarity.

On the palate, the wine is full-bodied and juicy, driven by sweet black fruit — blackberry, raspberry, and blueberry — wrapped in a soft, velvety texture. The profile leans smooth and plush rather than structured, making it immediately satisfying and easy to enjoy.

The finish is persistent and polished, marked by vanilla, roasted almond, and a touch of cinnamon tea. Ripe, well-integrated tannins carry the wine through with balance and softness.

Perfect For

Pasta with red sauce or baked dishes
Pizza nights and casual Italian fare
Roast beef or lamb
Fresh and aged cheeses
Weeknight dinners that call for warmth and ease

The Vibe Pairing

Playlist energy: Easy listening, acoustic classics, relaxed dinner playlists
Aura color: Deep ruby, vanilla pod, warm spice
Time of day: Dinner → second helping → glasses refilled without thinking

Why We Love It

12 e Mezzo is designed to be generous and crowd-pleasing, and the 2021 delivers exactly that. Smooth, fruit-forward, and gently spiced, this Negroamaro offers Southern Italian warmth in an easygoing, polished package — a reliable go-to when you want richness without heaviness.

Chillable & Light · Still Red