Papale Linea Oro Primitivo di Manduria 2016 (Puglia) - Wine Review

Tonight's wine review is a lovely Primitivo (aka Zinfandel) that is often referred to as the Amarone of Puglia. This popular red wine returns to the LCBO this weekend and is featured as part of the theme on wines "Back by Popular Demand" from the May 1st LCBO VINTAGES Release.

This red wine is produced by Varvaglione 1921, a family that began making wine in 1921 and are one of the oldest wineries in Southern Italy. They are based in Leporano on the Gulf of Taranto, in the famous Salento region of Puglia. Four generations of the family have grown the business to become one of the biggest and fastest developing companies in Puglia. They combine the traditions of the territory with newer methods to continually evolve with trends, while never losing sight of traditions and terroir.

Owner Cosimo Varvaglione, along with his wife Maria Teresa and their three children aim for excellence by taking the best of the land and transforming it into quality wines. They own over 150 hecatres of land dedicated to the cultivation of grapes, while also collaborating with local winegrowers who have worked with them for more than 30 years.

Varvaglione 1921 produces wines from many, mostly native, varieties, but Primitivo is the most famous of the Puglian grape varieties. Primitivo has been well-known since Medieval times and is widely grown throughout the province of Taranto, especially in the area known as Manduria.

The Primitivo grapes for this wine were carefully hand harvested in the heart of the DOP, then macerated at the winery using controlled temperature. After undergoing malolactic fermentation, the wine was refined and aged for at least 10 months in French oak barrels and American barriques. Let's see how this Primitivo is tasting tonight...

Tasting Note:

PAPALE LINEA ORO PRIMITIVO DI MANDURIA 2016 - DOP, Puglia, Italy (#261784) (D) - $23.95
The rich, focused nose of medium-high intensity delivers aromas of dark berry, blackberry, currant, bramble, and spices. The chewy, full-ish bodied, structured palate is spicy with some warmth and has slightly sweet flavours of wood spice, tart cherry, dark berry, plum, and touches of leather. Bright, tart acidity lifts the palate, while ripe tannins are smooth with a slightly chalky texture. Finishes pleasantly dry with mineral notes lingering on the long finish. Quality Primitivo with high crowd appeal. Score: 90 pts

Other lovely wines from Varvaglione 1921 can be ordered through their Agent - Caliber Fine Wines & Spirits.