Lance, I can report that this was a fine and delicious Primitivo, very special indeed. The 17% abv wasn't in any way obvious, Primitivo like this can handle the high alcohol content, it was perfectly integrated. This wine was unfiltered (which I appreciate) but didn't expect and was left with a fair bit of sediment in the last pour! I would definitely buy again.
I'm wondering if the Primitivo is made with a Ripasso type technique, given its high ABV?
I have to say that I am not a fan of the method as I find the resultant wines rather sweet and cloying; I know you will beg to differ though, Michael! And they do seem to be very popular in the UK at the moment - the endless shift towards sweeter flavours....
MrsR hails from Abruzzo so have done quite a lot of hands on research on Montepulciano d Abruzzo.
Not sure it's easy to get in the UK, but a very good one to look out for is from Marina Csvetic winery. The premium brand of masciareli. The basic Masciareli is a good everyday MdA about £10/bottle that is worth trying. Found at majestic wines in the UK. Zachagnini also a decent baseline brand.
A low volume numbered bottle produced that's also good is Fonte Fico. Available from one of the UK Italian online deli sites but can't remember the name now.
Bring back some boxes of these when we go over by car and go past the wineries for a drive.
Just arrived for the Xmas holidays so hoping to quality check some of the above while here to see how standards are holding up.
Thanks for your recommendations Rene. I've seen Marina Cvetic in a few places I'm sure. A quick search for it led me to a favourite independent I once frequented. I've tried the entry level Masciarelli from Majestic a couple of times, it's a nice little number with a nice and bright acidity, it's a delicious and more elegant expression in contrast to more the run-of-the-mill Montepulciano.
I'd recommend Binomio - Pricey and hard to find but it's worth it! Lot's of concentration but still expressive and a testament to the pioneers of this vineyard and their ambition.
The Tenuta Ulisse 10 Vendemmie was also impressive with lots of layers of aromas, strong oak influence and bold as you like concentration. It was big and beautiful!
A nice selection, Michael; looks like you've got a sippin' wine there at 17% ABV!
Lance
Lance, I can report that this was a fine and delicious Primitivo, very special indeed. The 17% abv wasn't in any way obvious, Primitivo like this can handle the high alcohol content, it was perfectly integrated. This wine was unfiltered (which I appreciate) but didn't expect and was left with a fair bit of sediment in the last pour! I would definitely buy again.
I'm wondering if the Primitivo is made with a Ripasso type technique, given its high ABV?
I have to say that I am not a fan of the method as I find the resultant wines rather sweet and cloying; I know you will beg to differ though, Michael! And they do seem to be very popular in the UK at the moment - the endless shift towards sweeter flavours....
Lance
MrsR hails from Abruzzo so have done quite a lot of hands on research on Montepulciano d Abruzzo.
Not sure it's easy to get in the UK, but a very good one to look out for is from Marina Csvetic winery. The premium brand of masciareli. The basic Masciareli is a good everyday MdA about £10/bottle that is worth trying. Found at majestic wines in the UK. Zachagnini also a decent baseline brand.
A low volume numbered bottle produced that's also good is Fonte Fico. Available from one of the UK Italian online deli sites but can't remember the name now.
Bring back some boxes of these when we go over by car and go past the wineries for a drive.
Just arrived for the Xmas holidays so hoping to quality check some of the above while here to see how standards are holding up.
Thanks for your recommendations Rene. I've seen Marina Cvetic in a few places I'm sure. A quick search for it led me to a favourite independent I once frequented. I've tried the entry level Masciarelli from Majestic a couple of times, it's a nice little number with a nice and bright acidity, it's a delicious and more elegant expression in contrast to more the run-of-the-mill Montepulciano.
I'd recommend Binomio - Pricey and hard to find but it's worth it! Lot's of concentration but still expressive and a testament to the pioneers of this vineyard and their ambition.
The Tenuta Ulisse 10 Vendemmie was also impressive with lots of layers of aromas, strong oak influence and bold as you like concentration. It was big and beautiful!
Happy New Year!