Who makes it?

The Palladino Biferno is a tasty red wine from the Italian region of Molise. From the sub region of Biferno. There is very little on line about the producer, however this is a wine that has won many hearts in the past years that the wine is easy to find in the UK. 

How do they make it?

This is a blend of two native Italian red grapes, Montepulciano and Aglianico. Together they make a lush red that has been softened by at least 3 years of maturation before you will find in on shelf to buy. 18 months in large oak barrels and a further 18 months in stainless steel tanks to settle and meld further before bottling. Don’t be surprised if you find that the bottle you pick up off the shelf has a further year or two of bottle age as well.  This is a Riserva wine after all.

What does it taste like?

It is more medium bodied, but it has intensity and spice to give it more presence than the body indicates. It has plenty of cherry and raspberry fruit. There is a hint of rose petal with a definite spicy savoury edge.  It is an easy drinker with a soft, velvety mouthful of subtle spicy oak. That time in large oak has really paid off and the tannins are shapely and the wine is well balanced. It is one that once you let it unfurl in the glass, you are well rewarded.

This is a cracker of a red. And it will even forgive you if you buy multiple and forget they are in the cellar for a few more years. That time is not even noticeable really, it will still be in the zone and ready for enjoyment.

What to drink it with?

Yes, it is a classic Italian red that is great with Pizza, burgers, sausages and mash or tomato based pastas. It is good without food to.

Cheese

Mature hard cheeses such as Pecorino, Manchego or cheddar for the Palladino Biferno Rosso.

Quickie review « This is a lush spicy little red that you may find you keep coming back to time and time again »

Country of Origin: Biferno DOC, Italy
Tasting Date: October 2023
Price:  UK £12 
Drink: now – 3+ years 
Needs food: no
Source: purchase

If you like Italian red wines, why not check out:
The Italian Red Revival – Part 1 {It’s not cut & dried}
The Italian Red Revivial – Part 2 {It’s going South}

For more information about the Italian regulations, please visit federdoc.