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Antonio Ferrari1959 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.
Wines:
Solaria
Jonica
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Region:
Puglia
DOC(G)s:
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