Promessa, Apulia (Italy) Rosso Salento 2005

By Paul Lukacs

Imported by Empson USA, $10

This blend of Negroamaro (70%) and Primitivo (30%) has to be one of the best buys of the season. It displays ripe fruit flavors enhanced by briary undertones, as well as tantalizing hints of leather and spice. Very nicely balanced, it is medium to full-bodied, but never seems hot or heavy. Finding $10 wines of this quality is not easy, so this definitely is a wine to consider buying by the case.