Carlomagno Primitivo Appassimento 2023

Carlomagno Primitivo Appassimento, Puglia, Italy, 2023  

Grapes: 100% Primitivo from low yielding vineyards in Puglia with a quarter aged in oak for 12 months.  

This is a full-bodied, rich and powerful wine. It has an intense ruby red colour . The nose is complex with aromas of over-ripe cherries, raspberries, redcurrants, plum spices and chocolate. On the palate, there are flavours of dried fruit, slight raisin character, plums, damsons, garrigue and a hint of spice. The finish is rich and full with good, sweet fruit flavours in an excellent balance. 

Critic's Tasting Note:

"Concentrated colour with ruby tints. Delicate aromas of spices and smoke emerge on the nose with prominent juicy red and black fruit. Smooth tannins and controlled power on the palate. The fruit is both present and delicious. A very consistent Primitivo."

Gold Medal, Gilbert & Gaillard, International Challenge 2024

Food Pairing:

Great with red meats and cheese. 

Winemaking - The Appassimento Process:

In mid-August when the grapes reach perfect maturity, the grapes are slightly dried. The grapes are left to dry for about 12 days and thus ensuring a natural drying way. They lose about 25-30% of their weight. Such a way allows the concentration of flavours and natural sweetness of the grapes. After destemming, the grapes are gently pressed, allowing the skin to remain intact and optimizing color extraction. Fermentation takes place at controlled temperature of 22-25°C for 8-10 days. Frequent remontage and delestage are carried out in the early stages of fermentation in order to achieve soft extraction of aromas and gentle tannins.