The 2008 Castel del Monte Nero di Troia Puer Apuliae shows a great sense of inner freshness and energy. This is a pure expression of Nero di Troia (a grape that has its origins in ancient Greece as the name "Black Troy" suggests) aged in French barrique for 14 months. It opens to a dark, inky color and delivers aromas of cherry, blackberry, Indian spice and pressed rose. It is linear, clean and offers an authentic taste of this relatively obscure Italian grape. Puer Apuliae has the natural acidity for another five years of healthy evolution.