Red Wine Feudi Salentini Sassirossi Primitivo di Manduria 2019. Feudi Salentini is tucked away in a charming corner of Salento on the heel” of Italy, surrounded by sunbaked vineyards, ancient olive groves and the sparkling Mediterrnaean Sea. The property is today run by the third generation of the family, Cosimo and Maria Teresa Varvaglione, who have strived to preserve their heritage and traditions while using cutting-edge modern techniques to produce the very finest wines possible. This region is famous for its robust and hearty red wines which are bursting with rich dark fruit flavours and hints of earth and dried herbs. The hot summer days and cooling sea breezes provide an ideal climate for growing the local Primitivo di Manduria grape which achieves optimum ripeness and copes well with the arid conditions. Their powerful Sassirossi Primitivo is named after the red stones” found in the estate’s vineyards, a reference to the iron-rich soils of Salento which give its wines their characteristic precision and minerality. The grapes are carefully harvested by hand and vinified in temperature controlled tanks before being left to mature in French oak barrels for 8 months. This creates an intense, deeply fruited red wine which boasts a generous full body, firm tannins and a very long finish seasoned with hints of winter spice, dark chocolate and roasted coffee beans.
2019
Red Wine Feudi Salentini Sassirossi Primitivo di Manduria 2019
Red Wine Feudo Croci Imperio LXXIV Primitivo di Manduria 2019. Feudo Croci was founded in 2001 when Gian Andrea Tinazzi visited Salento and recognised the exceptional potential of the local vineyards. Some months later the family purchased 20 hectares of land set around a stunning farmhouse in Carosino. The estate is planted with indigenous varieties like Primitivo, Negroamaro, Malvasia Nera and Malvasia Bianca which are well-adapted to the dry, sunny conditions. Imperio Primitivo di Manduria LXXIV is the flagship wine of Feudo Croci and was actually listed as one of Wine Spectator’s Top 100 Wines for both the 2014 and 2015 vintages. The wine is crafted from Puglia’s classic Primitivo di Manduria grape variety which grows in the Tinazzi family’s vineyards in Carosino. Once in the winery the grapes are crushed and destemmed before being left to macerate and ferment for 10-15 days. The young wine is then transferred to large French oak casks for 8-12 months of maturation. The result is a rich, full-bodied red with plenty of spicy dark fruit notes along with hints of chocolate, sweet licorice and cigar box spice. A great wine to pair with hearty red meat dishes like fresh pasta served with a rich beef ragu or roasted venison.
2019
Red Wine Cannonball Merlot 2019. A bright ruby red hue immediately catches the eye while exuberant aromas of black cherries, sweet spices, and dark chocolate entice the senses. On the palate there’s a silky smooth texture, fine tannins and gentle structure which makes the Cannonball Merlot ideal to enjoy on its own or alongside a fine steak or pasta served with a rich tomato sauce. The grapes used to craft this wine are sourced from California’s Central Coast with fruit sourced from different areas to create a complex and multi-layered flavour profile. This diversity includes grapes from Monterey where foggy conditions help to preserve freshness, Livermore which boasts fine gravel soils, and Paso Robles which is typically blessed with hot and sunny summers. The grapes from each of these sub-zones are vinified separately and blended before being aged in French oak barrels. The curious name of this wine comes from the curled-up position that youngsters often take when jumping into water to make the biggest splash they can. The personality of this Merlot is fun and light-hearted just like the picture on the label, making it ideal to share during relaxed moments with family and friends.
2019