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Cantine Antonio Ferrari

Antonio Ferrari was a wine merchant and negociant in Piedmont who in the mid-20th century developed an interest in the grapes of Puglia, especially Primitivo. He made a few mid-century vintages from Primitivo, which is an ancient grape related to the Zinfandel. Ferrari made Primitivo wines in 1949, 1954, and 1959. Although 1959 was one of the hottest years in Puglia’s history and therefore a difficult harvest, Ferrari bought truckloads of the overripe grapes from the 1959 harvest and transported them back to his cellars in Galliate. His plan was to produce a big, sweet wine with an alcohol content of 21%. However, once the grapes were in his cool caves in northern Italy, fermentation stopped at just under 14%. He left the wine for 10 years in Slovenian casks and then kept them for another 35 years in a cement cask. When Antonio died in the early years of this century his daughter decided to release the wine, Solaria Jonica, which had been one of his life’s great passions. It has been described by reviewers as something of a cross between a Recioto and a Port. Wine Advocate noted its “amazingly fresh ruby color…and decadent nose…” In 1978 Ferrari made a Negroamaro and Malvasia wine.

N.V. Cantine Antonio Ferrari Barone 54

Base neck fill

2 available
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1959 Cantine Antonio Ferrari Solaria Jonica

500ml

Light capsule condition issue; very top shoulder fill; light label condition issue

WA  97   

1959 Cantine Antonio Ferrari Solaria Jonica

500ml

Light capsule condition issue; light label condition issue

WA  97