Pierfabio Mastronardi Mammamè Primitivo Gioia del Colle 2021

Mammame is the work of Pierfabio Mastronardi in Gioia del Colle, the upland Primitivo zone in central Puglia. Sitting on a plateau at altitude above the Adriatic plain, the area has a wide diurnal range: hot days ripen the Primitivo fully, while cooler nights preserve acidity and aromatic detail, which is why Gioia del Colle Primitivo holds freshness despite its power. The soils are red, iron-rich earth over limestone, draining well and concentrating the fruit. The wine is farmed naturally and organically. Primitivo ripens unevenly and to high sugar, which here gives a full, warm red at 15 percent alcohol; the wine is aged in wood, where slow oxygen exchange softens the tannins and adds spice and a darker, savoury depth. The colour is deep, almost opaque purple-red. The nose is ripe and intense, with plum, black cherry and dried fig over black pepper, liquorice and clove; the palate is full bodied and generous, with soft tannins, dark chocolate and an earthy finish carried by the warmth of the alcohol. Serve at 17 to 18 degrees. It pairs well with grilled and braised red meat.