12 e Mezzo Primitivo del Salento IGP - Varvaglione

The 12 e Mezzo Primitivo del Salento from Varvaglione comes into the glass with a dense, but not yet opaque purple-red color. This modern Primitivo immediately reveals an expressive bouquet full of red and black fruit. Ripe plums and juicy black cherries in particular come to mind, complemented by nuances of blueberries and blackberries. Delicate hints of vanilla and fragrant cocoa notes round off the bouquet of the 12 e Mezzo Primitivo perfectly.

On the palate, the Varvaglione 12 e Mezzo Primitivo de Salento starts off pleasantly fresh and light-footed. So nice to see (better: taste) that Primitivo can also work as a light summer wine and doesn't have to be massive either in the bottle or in the glass. Fruity freshness, a restrained residual sweetness and the finest tannins dominate here. A Primitivo that is suitable at any time of year, especially when slightly chilled.

Vinification of the 12 e Mezzo Primitivo from Varvaglione

For this series, Marzia, Angelo and Francesca clearly faced the biggest problem that many wine drinkers have with red wine from Apulia - the high alcohol content. For their 12 e Mezzo series, the three of them set themselves a strict target right from the name: the wines should not have more than 12.5% alcohol by volume. By harvesting some of the grapes very early, they guarantee a moderate alcohol content and also ensure a freshness that many reds from southern Italy lack.

After fermentation, the 12 e Mezzo Primitivo matures for another 3-6 months in American oak barriques, adding spice and complexity to its fruit.

Dining recommendation for the Varvaglione Primitivo from the 12 e Mezzo series

Enjoy this pleasantly light-footed red wine from Puglia with pork medallions with bacon and grilled mushrooms or with spicy roasted and lamb salmon with couscous and ras el hanout.

Awards for the 12 e Mezzo Primitivo from Varvaglione

• Luca Maroni: 94 points for 2017
• Berlin Wine Trophy: Silver for 2017
• Sakura Japan Womens's Wine Trophy: Silver for 2017
• Mundus Vini: Silver for 2016
• Berlin Wine Trophy: Gold for 2015
• Concours Mondial de Bruxelles: Silver for 2015
• Luca Maroni: 90 points for 2015

• More products from Varvaglione