Progetto Calcarius, Soulmate IGP Puglia

Progetto Calcarius, Soulmate, is 100% Montepulciano and fashioned similarly to the other Calcarius range reds, with the deciding difference being that it is left to mature in old oak barrels for 12 months. This maturation exposes a sultry depth and a hint of charred flint that elegantly compliments the barrage of dark fruit. A well-structured, medium to full bodied red with macabre fruits and nibs of cacao biting at your palette’s heels; Soulmate is a rich meditation, impeccably balanced with bright acidity and saline touches.

Progetto Calcarius are based in Apricena, in the northern region of Gargano, Puglia. Valentina Passalacqua owns a farm comprised of 80 hectares of vines, fruit and vegetables. She has been a majorly influential voice with regard to biodynamic agriculture in Puglia since the turn of the century. Progetto Calcarius comes from 8-ha of Valentina’s vineyard planted on Kimmerridgean soils, where calcareous stones and boulders cover the ground (hence the name ‘Calcarius’). Maintaining this project, a separate entity entirely to the main production, not only requires the assistance of Danilo Marcucci but showcases extraordinary levels of patient observation, attention to terroir and a commitment to indigenous varietals.

The wines are naturally made with ambient spontaneous alcoholic fermentations; maturation is initially conducted in stainless steel vats, before a transfer to old oak is undertaken, ensuring that the fruit and the soil are the primary focus. Throughout the wines is exhibited a restraint, without lacking fruit or depth, a deft sleight-of-hand which while not immediately evident, highlights an honest expression and is clearly a result of the tireless liaising with the land. This winery’s philosophies are lessons in holding back, being assuredly non-interventionist in field and cellar alike. They are astonishingly authentic shades of the terroir – mineral, tense, saline with an uncompromising vitality.