Ruggero di Bardo
Puglia Susumaniello
Puglia, Italy
This wine is as dark as ink in the glass. It smells dark, too, with notes of black cherry, blackberry, clove, cinnamon, forest floor and hints of vanilla and cedar. The palate is bold and fruity, with cherry flavors hitting the tongue first. The sweet oak spice is enjoyable, not overdone. Tannins are firm and the wine has a good tannic grip. The overall feeling of sweetness is beautiful, but don’t expect a dessert wine. This is a truly enjoyable red wine at a truly affordable price.
This wine is as dark as ink in the glass. It smells dark, too, with notes of black cherry, blackberry, clove, cinnamon, forest floor and hints of vanilla and cedar. The palate is bold and fruity, with cherry flavors hitting the tongue first. The sweet oak spice is enjoyable, not overdone. Tannins are firm and the wine has a good tannic grip. The overall feeling of sweetness is beautiful, but don’t expect a dessert wine. This is a truly enjoyable red wine at a truly affordable price.
Aug 27th, 2023
Not the first time drank but still excellent! My wife said “is this a Mueller? Nope, just another one of the fine wines from an obscure (to U.S. wine aficionados) wine making regions of Italy - Puglia, the “boot”of Italy. Nice aroma but who really buys on smell alone (I know it’s part of taste…yada yada). Fine balance, managed tannins…palate notably smooth and taste…big dark berry to me. A great value, full flavored with all those other tastes, I suppose, the pro raters say. This wine compares nicely with the big deep flavors of Napa and Russian River Pinots - wines many times pricier. Keep on buying at Trader Joe’s.
Not the first time drank but still excellent! My wife said “is this a Mueller? Nope, just another one of the fine wines from an obscure (to U.S. wine aficionados) wine making regions of Italy - Puglia, the “boot”of Italy. Nice aroma but who really buys on smell alone (I know it’s part of taste…yada yada). Fine balance, managed tannins…palate notably smooth and taste…big dark berry to me. A great value, full flavored with all those other tastes, I suppose, the pro raters say. This wine compares nicely with the big deep flavors of Napa and Russian River Pinots - wines many times pricier. Keep on buying at Trader Joe’s.
Sep 23rd, 2023As good as we remembered. Outstanding value!
As good as we remembered. Outstanding value!
Aug 11th, 2023
Big and Bold. Found this at Trader Joe's and bought on a whim bc of the unique bottle. The grape is Susumaniello. Somewhat of a Sangiovese clone. Loads of front fruit and nice subtle tannins with a generous finish. Interestingly it's from Puglia IT and only grown in that region. IGT. Worth a try if you're around TJ.
Big and Bold. Found this at Trader Joe's and bought on a whim bc of the unique bottle. The grape is Susumaniello. Somewhat of a Sangiovese clone. Loads of front fruit and nice subtle tannins with a generous finish. Interestingly it's from Puglia IT and only grown in that region. IGT. Worth a try if you're around TJ.
Dec 13th, 2022
