Tenute Emera 'QU.ALE' Rosso Salento IGT, Puglia, Italy

The 2021 Tenute Eméra ‘QU.ALE’ Rosso Salento IGT is both a wine and a statement of values. Conceived by Alessandra Quarta as the first “democratic wine,” QU.ALE combines varietal authenticity, everyday drinkability, and a mission of social impact. It reflects the character of Salento’s Mediterranean terroir—where vineyards are refreshed by sea breezes and rooted in essential soils of sand, clay, and silt—while also donating 5% of proceeds to nonprofit organizations chosen by consumers. In 2021, the wine benefited from a balanced growing season in Puglia, delivering vibrancy, ripeness, and purity.

Product Details

• Varieties: 50% Primitivo, 30% Negroamaro, 20% Petit Verdot
• Appellation: Salento IGT, Puglia, Italy
• Alcohol: 13.5% ABV
• Acidity: 5.87 g/L
• Residual Sugar: 1.5 g/L
• Yield: 90 q/ha
• Harvest: Grapes harvested separately in the cool morning hours during the second and third ten days of September
• Vinification: Soft pressing and separate vinification by variety
• Aging: 8 months in stainless steel to preserve freshness
• Production Volume: Large-scale, reflecting its role as a widely accessible, “democratic” wine—produced in hundreds of thousands of bottles annually

Sensory Description
Deep ruby red in color, this wine offers aromas of ripe strawberry, plum jam, and wild herbs, with a background of sweet spice. On the palate, it is medium-bodied, round, and creamy, with bright acidity and supple tannins that frame its lively fruit core. The Primitivo provides plush sweetness, Negroamaro lends structure and lift, while Petit Verdot contributes spice and depth. The finish is fresh and versatile, designed to pair seamlessly with a wide variety of foods and to be enjoyed both casually and with convivial gatherings.

Awards & Accolades

• 2024 I Vini di Veronelli – 2 Stars (2019 vintage)
• 2024 FIS Bibenda – 4 Grappoli (2019 vintage)
• 2024 Wine Enthusiast – 90 Points, Best Buy (2021 vintage)
• 2025 Luca Maroni I Migliori Vini Italiani – 90 Points (2020 tasting)

Winemaker’s Background
Tenute Eméra, part of the Claudio Quarta Vignaiolo group, is located in Lizzano, Taranto, where vineyards stretch toward the Ionian coast. Founded by former pharmaceutical researcher Claudio Quarta, the estate combines modern subterranean architecture with ancient agricultural traditions. His daughter Alessandra leads the QU.ALE project, embodying both the family’s winemaking passion and their commitment to social responsibility. Beyond wine, the Quarta family invests in cultural projects, biodiversity research, and the preservation of historical estates such as Casino Nitti. The philosophy is to unite the sensory pleasure of wine with a broader mission of sustainability, fairness, and community engagement.

Serving Suggestions
Serve at 60–64°F for classic pairings such as pasta, pizza, grilled meats, or roasted vegetables. For summer occasions, chill lightly to 48–50°F and enjoy as an aperitivo or with lighter fare. A flexible, crowd-pleasing wine, QU.ALE is as comfortable at a dinner table as it is at a party—a must-try for those seeking a vibrant, meaningful red that pairs with virtually any dish.