2009 Tor del Colle Brindisi Riserva 750ml 6-Pack

Dark scents of blackberry and plum emerge from the glass along with notes of vanilla, bay and white pepper.

Juicy berry flavors mingle with smooth, savory hints of soy, leather and charcoal.

Negroamaro’s fresh acidity, medium tannins and berry fruit make it an exceptionally versatile wine at the table. Medium-weight proteins like pork, poultry, sausage and game are a natural match, as are rich pastas, ragùs and pizzas. The Tor del Colle’s full flavors will also be delicious with heartier meats including roasts, chops and stews of lamb or beef. Try it with dishes like Pork Rib Ragù with Polenta or Veal Cutlets Gremolata; find the recipes at williams-sonoma.com.

Puglia is the narrow peninsula that juts out in Italy’s southeast corner and separates the Adriatic and Ionian Seas. Here, sea breezes temper the region’s heat, and the Negroamaro grape has dominated viticulture since at least the sixth century BC. Notable for its deep color, vibrant perfume and pleasant, earthy bitterness, Negroamaro has seen its rustic image improve over the last couple of decades as producers have gone from selling their grapes to a local cooperative to crafting their own wines. The Brindisi appellation allows blending with a few other selected varieties for complexity and nuance. This wine is made by Casa Vinicola Botter under the Tor del Colle label, a company that began in 1928 and is now in the third generation, making wine in the Veneto and southern Italy.