Tormaresca
by Qian Leung
Tormaresca, owned by the ancient Antinori family of wine merchants from Chianti, is evidence of the potential in the land of Puglia for winemaking. Such is the 26th generation winemakers' belief that their enologist, Guiseppe Palumbo, playfully proposes that I stamp the words 'Great Puglia' on the cover of this magazine. You can't help but be touched by the family's warm hospitality, as dishes befitting of a fine-dining restaurant kept appearing, though we were only supposed to have a light lunch with the wine tasting. The most memorable dish is the orecchiette, little ear-shaped pasta with broccoli rabe and olive oil, made from the estate's own olive trees. I am partial to kaloro, made from moscato grapes picked at optimal ripeness and sun-dried for 20 days, with a honeyed sensuousness that keeps me coming back for another sip, but I think you will like maime, made from negroamaro grapes, which has this intriguing, and at the same time delicious, bitterness and smokiness.