Description Origin – Italy – Puglia Producer – Cantine Paolo Leo Style – Full | Dry | Powerful Allergens – Contains Sulphites Vegetarian / Vegan – No Grape Variety – 100% Primitivo ABV – 14.5% Producer Paolo Leo is the fourth generation to make wine in San Donaci in the heart of Salice Salentino and he has expanded his family business considerably over the past 30 years. His vision was to show that Puglia can produce fine wine of real finesse and he generally works only with low yielding old albarello trained vines for his reds, many of which are certified organic. He makes a range of estate wines as well as wines from grapes sourced from across Puglia. There are now two separate ultra-modern wineries in operation, one in Manduria and the original in San Donaci and his son Nicola has taken over the main winemaking role, still with the aim of letting the terroir shine through. Wines from this part of Italy can be amongst the most generous and best value in the country and this Cantine is at the forefront of quality producers. Winemaking Hand harvested over several passages to insure homogenous ripeness. Around a third of the grapes are air dried for 20 days (Appasimento). Each portion of the wine I fermented separately. Following de-stemming, the whole berries are fermented at 28-30C over 10 days, with frequent pumping over. Mlf is carried out in tank. The wine is then blended and aged for 12 months, 15% in French oak Tasting Note Deep coloured with a nose of dried fruits – prunes and raisins. Hints of smoke and chocolate. The palate is rich and full with a broad texture and sweet fruit flavours, finishing with excellent balance. Food Matching Chargrilled red meats. Well hung feather game. Tagines and spicy stews.
