"Elegia" Primitivo di Manduria Riserva DOC 2020

It is certainly no coincidence that the Primitivo grape variety is the most widely cultivated in Apulia. Native to the 'heel of our boot', this vine is capable of expressing itself in a thousand different ways, adapting from time to time to different climates, soils and exposures. In the Manduria area, then, Primitivo finds its ideal habitat, giving life to wines of rare pleasantness and complexity. Like this Elegia, Primitivo di Manduria DOC Riserva, produced by Produttori di Manduria. It comes from grapes harvested in vineyards between 35 and 50 years old, some of which are still cultivated using the traditional alberello system which, as experts know, allows low yields but very high quality. Harvested during the second half of September, the grapes are vinified in red, with a maceration period lasting about two weeks. After racking, the wine then matures for about a year in French oak barriques. Intense ruby red in colour, the nose is pleasantly elegant, with a distinct fruit component reminiscent of wild blackberries, prunes, raspberry jam and blueberries. Nutmeg, vanilla and cloves anticipate memories of aromatic herbs and leather. Hints of toasted almonds and wilted violet petals flank the typical hints of undergrowth. In the mouth it is characterised by a nice bright acidity, with dry tannins and a pleasant persistence. Excellent with strong-flavoured dishes, such as wild boar, but also roasts and braised meats.