Petrelli Salento 2024

Petrilli farm organically in Salento, the heel of Puglia in southern Italy, and bottle this red as IGT Salento from Primitivo, a name meaning the original, marking it as the area's ancestral variety. Puglia's hot, dry, sun-baked Mediterranean climate and the long growing season ripen Primitivo fully, building deep colour, ripe black fruit and a naturally high alcohol around 14 percent. The wine spends four months in barrel, a short élevage where gentle oxygen exchange through the wood softens the tannins and adds a light vanilla and spice frame while keeping the wine's exuberant fruit to the fore. Expect a deep, dark ruby colour and a generous nose of ripe black plum, dark berries and dried fruit with black pepper, liquorice and a warm sweet-spice note. The palate is full and round, with ripe, supple tannins, moderate acidity and a warming, fruit-driven finish. This is a rich, lush southern red made to drink with hearty food. Serve at 16 to 18 degrees. Good with rich, robust dishes.