"Drinkable Italian wines under $15 are thin on the ground but this newcomer breaks the mould and is made mostly from Merlot (65%) with Negroamaro providing the Italianesque je ne sais quoi of ripe black fruit, savoury spice and liquorice flavours. Saluti means ‘greetings’. It’s made by a big company in Puglia; the hot, arid, sun drenched heel of the Italian boot, and is imported here by Master of Wine Stephen Bennett; a long time Italiaphile who has opened many doors for Spanish wine in this country. Let’s hope he can do the same for Italy." Joelle Thomson

"Dark, deep, ruby-red colour with black hues and lighter purple tints on the rim. The nose is elegantly proportioned with up-front ripe aromas of dark-red plums and savoury red berry fruits along with subtle notes of dark herbs and earth. Dry to taste and medium-bodied, the palate possesses flavours of sweet dark red plums and savoury berry fruits entwined with subtle notes of herbs and earth. The palate is juicy, unfolding suggestions of plum jam and liquorice, and is enlivened by bright acidity with light tannin extraction providing background support. The fruit is carried to a lingering, lush finish with balancing grip. This is an elegant, up-front, sweet-fruited Puglia red with lively plum and red berry flavours and light textures. Serve with antipasto, tapas and Mediterranean cuisine over the next 2-3 years. A blend of 65% Merlot and 35% Negroamaro, from Brindisi, hand-picked and cool-fermented in tank to 12.5% alc. Winemaker: Simone Cortese." Raymond Chan

"It is brightly fruited showing dark plum, blueberry, mixed spice and toasted nut characters on the nose. The palate is succulent and nicely weighted, and delivers appealing fruit flavours together with subtle savoury complexity, well framed by fine tannins, finishing delicately dry. The wine is friendly and very easy to enjoy." Sam Kim, Wine Orbit