Gianfranco Fino Se Primitivo di Manduria 2024

Drink it now or cellar for up to 10 years. No need to decant, but best to open it half an hour before service. Located in Puglia, in the province of Taranto, the Gianfranco Fino winery was founded in 2004 with the purchase of a small vineyard, approximately two hectares, planted with fifty-year-old vines. The winery, led by Gianfranco and his wife, Simona, also uses grapes from other leased vineyards. Their production philosophy calls for very low yields and minimal cellar intervention to maximize the grape variety's expressiveness. The Primitivo grapes come from flat vineyards in Agro di Manduria, where classic Apulian bush vines are grown on calcareous clay soils. After manual harvesting and temperature-controlled fermentation, the finished wine ages for 9 months in wood before bottling, followed by a further 6 months of bottle aging. In the glass, Gianfranco Fino Se Primitivo di Manduria reveals an intense, deep ruby ​​color. Its aromatic profile is broad and fragrant, with notes of berries and ripe cherries interspersed with hints of aromatic herbs and Mediterranean scrub. On the palate, it is rich, concentrated, and juicy, with a soft, velvety texture and a balanced freshness. The tannins are smooth, and the finish is long and warm. Try it with smoked chicken, lamb chops, and meatballs in tomato sauce.