cantina coppola 1489

Trying even aged whites from black grapes is not common. Cantina Coppola 1489 in Gallipoli has been the first to invest in Negroamaro, typical local grape in Salento (Puglia region, Southern Italy) vinified in white in 2004. The magnificent sparkling wine is just a consequence of this.

Due to a problem with the production of the white from Vermentino grapes introduced by his father, Giuseppe Coppola, the current owner, with his well-known and esteemed consultant Giuseppe Pizzolante Leuzzi tried with Negroamaro about 20 years ago. Not a pure exercise in style if we look, today, at the results in terms of bottle aging. This fall I tried the aged 2012 and 2015 vintages, in addition to the 2022 which represents, among other things, an anniversary with a relative celebratory label. The grapes destined for “Rocci” (appellation: Puglia IGT) are not harvested when fully ripe to maintain the alcohol content around 12% and, therefore, the acidity also lends itself to a white vinification of excellent balance while translating into an evident sobriety. And it arrives on the market two years after the harvest, a choice that – once again – allows for greater integration.

rocci

ROCCI 2022 (current vintage)

Light in color, subtle and vegetal on the nose with notes of candy and iodine too. Round but refreshing at the same time.

Celebratory label (2004-2024) that graphically recalls a crushed grape and the columns of the new structure with the colors of Puglia.

ROCCI 2015

Lively nose with notes of cedar, mint and medicinal herbs. Satisfying and balanced on the palate

ROCCI 2012

Turns towards gold, bright. Intense, clearly evolved, with chamomile, and medicinal sensations. More lively on the palate with notes of roasting and intriguing progression.

The evolution over the years revives the linearity of this production.

chiara giorleo and giuseppe coppola

The sparkling wine was born as a consequence, in 2014. And, again, were the first to produce a Classic Method sparkling wine in white (it is much more common to find the rosé version from the black Negroamaro). They started with 24 months on the lees but then decided to keep 1000 bottles each year to grow until reaching 120 months. I had already appreciated the 60-months Classic Method Zero Dosage last year, but the 72-months ie even better: more complex but still lively and outlined by finesse. Sober but layered nose with a bouquet that ranges from candied citrus to delicate notes of yeast. Creamy mousse, deep and rich character, elegant with a long finish of light toasted notes.

cantina coppola 1489