Botromagno Primitivo 2016

Winery: Botromagno

Grapes: Primitivo

Region: Primitivo di Manduria

Regional styles: Southern Italy Primitivo

Food pairing: Beef · Pasta · Lamb · Poultry

Wine maker notes: Primitivo is one of Puglia’s most noble and ancient grape varieties. Benedictine monks first imported it into the area in the early 19th century, probably from Croatia. It is trained exclusively to the bush (alberello) method, and its yield per hectare is by nature quite low. Because of their exposition and elevation, the vineyards exhibit a distinctive personality compared to primitivo vineyards elsewhere in Puglia; the wine is not quite as high in alcohol, although it remains powerful in this respect, and it possesses an elegance and fragrance that set it apart from other wines produced from the same grape.

Technical notes: Grapes: 100% primitivo. Denomination: Rosso - Murgia IGP. Crop yield per hectare: 65 q. Fermentation: Red wine fermentation on the skins for 10 days, at 26°-28°C. Fermentation length of skin contact: 20 days. Fermentation temperature: 26°-28°C. Malolactic fermentation: Complete. Maturation: In stainless steel at controlled temperature for 10 months, followed by 3 months in bottle. Alcohol: 14% Vol. Analytical data: Acidity 5.6 g/l; pH 3.62.

Food pairing: Charcuterie, medium-aged cheeses, barbecued lamb, wild game.

Producer: In 1991, the D”Agostino family merged with the local cooperative winery, creating Botromagno, the first successful example of a privately owned winery partnered with more than 100 local grape growers. The D”Agostino family has been able to foster a reliable and efficient synergy with the local farmers; based on strict standards for quality grape growing, they have rapidly become one of the finest wineries in Puglia.

Appearance: Luminous, deep ruby red, with purplish rim. Bouquet: Fruity aromas of dark cherry, wild cherry, red mulberry, complemented by nuances of vanilla, cinnamon, sage, mint, and tobacco leaf. Palate: Velvety smooth, appealing, with medium- body tannins.

The colour is deep ruby red. On the nose the wine shows a delicate scent of berry fruits. The palate is elegant, intense with soft natural tannins (no oak). The alcohol content is distinct but not overpowering.