2018 Vigneti Del Salento Leggenda Vigne Vecchie

This flagship wine from Vigneti Del Salento is 100% Primitivo di Manduria, Puglia's iconic fruit. As the name suggests, this wine is made from vines over 70 years old. The grapes are harvested on the riper side and after 10-12 days of temperature-controlled maceration, they undergo malolactic fermentation in stainless steel. This wine is aged in first American oak, and then French oak for 12 months. 

In one word, this wine is intense. There is plenty of red fruits on the nose like cherry jam and blackberries, lifted by minty tobacco and with a touch of spice. In the mouth, the taste has notes of cocoa and coffee and the length is superb. 

This Primitivo is a versatile food wine and can be paired with risottos, baked pasta and red meats. However, the star pairing is a slow-cooked rack of lamb. 

The Leggenda Vigne Vecchie has excellent ageing potential and should evolve nicely for another 10 years. 

Luca Maroni 97/99