Description
Derek Brammer Staff Selection, Fall 2014
Every now and then we find a real gem of a wine, a wine with a “Wow” factor so high that we cannot believe
it’s so good for the price. Often called “Italy’s Zinfandel,” Primitivo and Zinfandel are actually
different clones of a grape originally grown in Croatia, and while they are genetically close they are not exactly
the same. The Altemura Primitivo is sourced from Estate vineyards located in Salento in the heart of Puglia, Italy
(the heel of the boot) between the Ionian and Adriatic Sea. Here the vines grow in clay and chalky gravel soils
with a consistently warm Mediterranean climate. An overwhelming bouquet greets you with ripe crushed red and blackberries,
plums, cherries, vanilla, oak, cocoa and spices. The palate opens with ripe fruit flavors of berries and black cherries,
layered with sweet herbs, licorice and milk chocolate that lead to plush tannins on the long, elegant and
succulent finish. There is plenty of structure in this juicy and delicious wine to stand up to barbecued and
grilled meats, pastas or an assortment of cheeses. Easily, the BEST Primitivo I have tasted for the price in many years,
this is a wine that will definitely sell out, so buy early and take home a couple of six-packs, your only regret
being that you didn’t get more.
Every now and then we find a real gem of a wine, a wine with a “Wow” factor so high that we cannot believe it’s so good for the price. Often called “Italy’s Zinfandel,” Primitivo and Zinfandel are actually different clones of a grape originally grown in Croatia, and while they are genetically close they are not exactly the same. The Altemura Primitivo is sourced from Estate vineyards located in Salento in the heart of Puglia, Italy (the heel of the boot) between the Ionian and Adriatic Sea. Here the vines grow in clay and chalky gravel soils with a consistently warm Mediterranean climate. An overwhelming bouquet greets you with ripe crushed red and blackberries, plums, cherries, vanilla, oak, cocoa and spices. The palate opens with ripe fruit flavors of berries and black cherries, layered with sweet herbs, licorice and milk chocolate that lead to plush tannins on the long, elegant and succulent finish. There is plenty of structure in this juicy and delicious wine to stand up to barbecued and grilled meats, pastas or an assortment of cheeses. Easily, the BEST Primitivo I have tasted for the price in many years, this is a wine that will definitely sell out, so buy early and take home a couple of six-packs, your only regret being that you didn’t get more.
