Lu Ceppu is Masca del Tacco's Negroamaro-led red from Puglia, named for the vine stock that carries generations of local growing knowledge. The producer gives this regional grape a generous but fresh expression. Ripe berries, herbs and spice make it a substantial red with enough savoury detail for a wide range of food. The producer lists a 97-point Luca Maroni score for the 2021 Lu Ceppu.
- Aromas: Redcurrant, ripe berries and cherry, with tobacco, pepper, red flowers, herbs and earthy nuances adding depth to the aromatic profile.
- Palate: Ripe tannins support a fruity, savoury palate, while freshness keeps the wine balanced. The finish lingers with berries and spice rather than simple sweetness.
- Style: A full-bodied Puglian red with generous fruit, mature tannins and an appealing combination of warmth and savoury freshness.
- Winemaking: A slightly later harvest builds concentration, followed by controlled fermentation and some additional skin contact. The producer allows a light wood passage, keeping fruit and regional character at the centre.
- Cellaring: Ready to drink now. Store in a cool and dark location.
- Food Pairing: Lamb ragù, roast beef, grilled mushrooms or semi-mature cheese; it also works with a flavourful beef stew and other hearty savoury dishes.
If you like southern Italian reds with generous fruit and a little savoury backbone, Lu Ceppu is an appealing choice. Bring it to a relaxed dinner, add something hearty and enjoy the pepper-and-herb detail that makes Negroamaro such rewarding company. Serve slightly cool in a generous glass, letting the fruit and savoury detail unfold with the meal.
Masca del Tacco
In Erchie, in the Salento area of Puglia, Masca del Tacco brings a family’s winemaking ambition to a historic local cellar. Felice Mergè, guided by his father Armando’s experience, acquired and restored the former village cooperative in 2010; the building’s wine history reaches back to 1949. The project belongs to the same family world as Poggio Le Volpi, while maintaining a distinctly southern character. Primitivo, Negroamaro and Susumaniello are central to its reds, with Fiano providing a white counterpart.
The estate’s appeal is expressive Puglian fruit, from generous, accessible reds to more concentrated wines from old bush-trained vines. Piano Chiuso, its Primitivo di Manduria Riserva, comes from a walled vineyard of vines more than seventy years old, connecting the wine to a specific piece of landscape. Susumaniello offers an especially interesting discovery for drinkers keen to explore beyond Primitivo. With its restored cellar, family continuity and focus on regional varieties, Masca del Tacco offers an inviting combination of southern warmth, local heritage and contemporary winemaking ambition.
