In the sunny Salento area, since 1950, the Mocaveros produce high quality wines that spread out qualities such as tradition, taste, research, passion whom Francesco and Marco are devoted, as homage to the heritage of their father Pietro.
By convention, the birth of the Mocavero winery is traced back to 1950, when an uncle of Pietro's, Tommaso, bequeathed the winery to him. In reality, the roots go back much farther in time, to the early 20th century, with the work and passion of Francesco and Marco's great-grandparents. In the 1950s, the first winery was built in the historic center of Monteroni di Lecce, a few kilometers from Lecce. The wine was produced and sold in bulk and was very popular in the local market of Lecce and the surrounding area .
In the 1990s, Francesco and Marco picked up the family tradition and gave birth to the fourth generation of winemakers, leading the winery to success, like true “warriors,” as their surname would mean in Arabic, with enthusiasm and resourcefulness. Personally following the selection of grapes, vinification, aging and bottling, Francesco and Marco have contributed to the growth of the winery, to establish themselves internationally as producers of great native wines-Primitivo and Negroamaro in primis-and to break away from the past of producers of “blending” wines for the great wines of northern Italy. Not only passion, but also initiative and enthusiasm, as the name Mocavero itself indicates in ancient Arabic: 'Warriors'. Yes, Warriors of Taste, Artisans of Wine.
Nowadays, Mocavero production includes 12 red wines, 3 white ones, 2 rosé ones, 1 dessert natural sweet wine, whom we can gather in 5 lines.
Today the winery is located in the countryside of Arnesano, surrounded by olive trees and vineyards, where Francesco and Marco, following both tradition and innovation, with scrupulousness and with taste continue to produce high quality wines which are now a guarantee both in Italy and abroad: in them it is possible to find, besides the goodness of precious grapes, the taste of ancient flavors handed down, the passion of humble and authentic people.
Tradition, passion, quality, dedication and spirit of self-sacrifice have allowed the Mocavero winery to receive numerous awards, the first, in 1994 itself, at the first Vinitaly experience in Verona, where the Salice salentino doc “Puteus” 1989 was a remarkable success.
Today 90% of production is destined for the foreign market: Germany, Holland, Luxembourg, England, Australia and the United States make up the “hard core” of the company's exports. The remaining 10% is taken up by the Italian market, which has been growing sharply, especially in the last year.
Not only “Mocavero” wines. In fact, thanks to a focus on the market and customer needs, the Mocavero winery can call itself “versatile,” managing to produce “private label” wines on behalf of its customers.
With a glance at the past and with the future in mind, like true “warriors,” Francesco and Marco are ready to face new challenges and lead the Company to new goals.
Mocavero Primitivo del Salento is 100% Primitivo.
Deep red color with hints of violet, sweet spicy and ripe fruity notes, soft, persistent taste with skilful balanced tannins.
This ancient vine variety requires special attention during vinification to ensure that it expresses all the varietal characteristics, it needs periodic aeration and a particular temperature control. Once maceration is complete, the must is separated from the marc and fermentation ends in stainless steel tanks.Once it has been fermented the wine is refined in american Oak barrels for 3-4 months. When the refining process is complete, the wine is filtered and bottled.
Pairs best with roast meat, wild fowl, cold-cuts and mature cheese.
“Puteus” is a Salice Salentino DOP reserve, made of 80% of Negroamaro and 20% Malvasia Nera, as the disciplinary code requires. In the last stage of fermentation the wine is stored in stainless steel tanks for the first year, then aged in oak barrels. It has a deep red color with hints of violet.
Deep red color with hints of violet, balanced tannin, strong spicy bouquet, with notes of cocoa and coffee, fruity (cherry).
The best wine pairing is with meat dishes, roast meat with a juicy frosting, seasoned cheese and salami, and it sparks with spicy dishes!
G.D. Vajra Barolo Ravera is made from 100 percent Nebbiolo.
The Barolo Ravera shows a striking balance of all tones. Red and dark fruits on the nose are interlaced with mineral hints and the iron tones which are such a signature of Ravera. The wine has brilliant drinkability, with a layered, ample mid palate and a racy finish.
Review:
Seamlessly stitched together, the G.D. Vajra 2018 Barolo Ravera reveals tight layering and smooth texture. Fruit comes from an amphitheater of vines with Tortoniana epoch sandstone clay that is typical of parts of Barolo and Novello. What stands out here is the mineral character of the wine. It frames a dark core of plum, dark cherry and soft spice.
- Robert Parker's Wine Advocate 94 Points
Dal Forno Romano Valpolicella Superiore is made from Corvina, Corvinone, Rondinella, Oseleta and Croatina grown at the Monte Lodoletta estate in the Val d'Illasi, eastern Valpolicella.
One of Italy's most iconic producers, Romano Dal Forno revolutionized Valpolicella winemaking with an obsessive pursuit of quality. The grapes are hand-harvested with meticulous selection, then dried for approximately 45 days in the estate's patented, computer-controlled appassimento rooms. After pressing, the wine is fermented in custom-designed stainless steel tanks and aged for 24 months in new French oak barrels, followed by extended bottle aging before release.
Deep ruby in color with aromas of blueberry, blackberry, cherry and cocoa. Full-bodied and opulent on the palate with powerful yet polished tannins, layers of dark fruit, sweet spice, tobacco and chocolate. Despite its remarkable concentration, the wine maintains an elegant freshness and balance. Pairs beautifully with grilled or roasted red meats, game and aged cheeses.
14.5% ABV
A perfumed and elegant wine with subtle aromas of balsamic, coconut, dark bramble fruit, jasmine, mulberries, red cherries and chocolate. It’s spicy rather than fruity. On the palate it shows salted chocolate flavors and a full body. It’s crisp, zesty and velvety, with creamy tannins and a graphite finish. It shows tension despite its concentrated style. It will be released in January 2027. Try then or hold.
-James Suckling 97 Points