The Wine Society's Generation Series Primitivo di Manduria 2022

More on the wine

We were slightly surprised to find so many named references to primitivo in the lists from our first 50 years of trading. Surprised that classic regions like Chianti were not more prominent, but also that the grape name was singled out for reference, well ahead of standard varietal labelling.

Very few wineries active in Puglia now were operating at the turn of the last century when local co-ops were the order of the day. 100-year-old or older bush vines are also, unfortunately, in short supply though there are some parcels still in Manduria. That is why it felt natural to partner with one of the more historic wineries based in Manduria, on the west coast of the Salento peninsula - Produttori di Manduria. They were so pleased to partner us on this generation wine that they gave me free reign to select the primitivo I most wanted to work with from the winery.

Looking deliberately for a modern fruit-driven medium to full-bodied wine, as this is the style that 150 years on is back in huge demand and offering great value and pleasure. The majority of this wine was fermented in traditional concrete vats, but then transferred to steel for ageing to preserve the floral aromas, though 15% of the wine was aged in 'botti grande', large older oak vats which has softened the tannins and added a little more spice character.

Sarah Knowles MW, Buyer for Italy