Produttori Di Manduria, Elegia, DOC, Puglia, Italy, 2020

Producer Profile

In the heel of Italy, Manduria is considered the birth place of the native Primitivo grape, and was officially recognised as such in the 1970s when a DOC was created for the region. However Produttori di Manduria had been making wines for 40 years by then, unashamedly proud of their deep affection for Primitivo.

As well as making high quality examples of Puglia's most famous vinous export, the co-operative is well versed in producing fascinating whites from Fiano and Verdeca. But it is with the poetically titled Elegia that the extraordinary levels of quality come to light. Made from old bush vines up to 50 years old it creates a wine of intense dark berry fruit with wonderful balsamic end notes and excellent balance.

Viticulture

This Riserva level Primitivo is produced from grapes harvested from 35 to 50 year old alberello (bush vine) and espallier trained vines. Harvested in mid September, the average yield per hectare is 60 quintals.

Winemaking

A temperature controlled fermentation is made at 25° C with maceration for 2 weeks before 12 months of ageing in French Allier oak barriques, a proportion of which are new oak.

Oak Ageing

Time: 12 Months
Type: French Allier Barriques
% wine oaked: 100
% new oak: 30

Tasting Note

A bright ruby red colour with garnet nuances, this is an intense and complex Primitivo wine. Aromas of ripe raspberry and blackberry as well as plum jam combined with clean, spicy, vanilla and balsamic notes. Dry, warm, soft, tannic and persistent in the mouth, all rounded out by the toasted oak notes.

Food Matching

This Riserva pairs well with richer foods, red meat and game.