Càntele Primitivo Salento IGT 2007

Another southern Italian gem. High-density planting of vines 35 to 40 years old and aging in French oak barrels has yielded a deep-colored wine with gobs of fruit. A real bargain.

Location is everything! Prime growing conditions allow this deeply refreshing red to boast rich and spicy fruits with a hint of sweetness. Try with backyard B-B-Q or red pasta dishes.

Bright red-ruby color. Spiced plum, currant and pepper on the vinous nose. Juicy and peppery in the mouth; offers the spice and cut of a particularly food-friendly Zinfandel, without any excess alcohol. A fairly light and smooth wine with juicy red berry and spice flavors and a firmly tannic finish.

Primitivo grapes ripen very early in the season giving the wine a deep, intense red color, full body and unique bouquet with scents of spices.

Dark red-ruby color. Aromas of blackberry, boysenberry, black raspberry and licorice; faint raisiny note. Dense, sweet and fat, with a dusty texture and just enough acidity to frame the fruit. Not especially complex or delineated but sweet and satisfying. Finishes with tongue-dusting tannins.

A chunky, plummy red from Apulia in Southern Italy. Great for everyday drinking.

Ripe and plummy, with dark, sculpted fruit and tons of it, this Primitivo is frisky as a Barbera, but fuller. Dynamite with hot sausage crumpled over pasta.