Archive: Italy: Apulia: Red
A Mano 2000 Primitivo Puglia ($10). This is a delicious lip-smacking wine from southeast Italy — the heel of the boot, if you will. Focused cherry and blackberry fruit are round and ripe, on a medium-bodied frame, with a smooth mouthfeel and finish. A heck of a deal. Ready to drink now. (Weekend Wine, 07/02)
Calatrasi
2001 Primitivo Puglia Terrale ($8). Ripe black cherry and prune fruit, with lush spices and a lingering finish. Good value. Ready to drink now. (Weekend Wine, 12/03)
2000 Primitivo Puglia Terrale ($7). We’ve been drinking this wine for a few years now and like it every year! Robust and fruity, featuring red cherry and raspberry fruit, with a subtle, appealing spicy note, this wine is smooth and easy to drink. Ready to drink now. (ETFOFW, 06/02)
Francesco Candido 1998 Salice Salentino Riserva ($8). Dried cherry and raisin fruit, with appealing dashes of earth and mineral. Lots of flavor, especially at this price! Ready to drink now. (Weekend Wine, 12/03)
Layer Cake 2007 Primitivo Puglia ($15). Medium-bodied, with intense black fruit — berries, cherry — and accents that include light black pepper, toasty spice, and touches of tobacco and coffee that linger on the bright finish. Easy to pair with food, from pastas to grilled poultry and meats. Ready to drink now and over the next couple of years. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2009-09-21)
Leone de Castris 1994 Salice Salentino Riserva ($11). A personal favorite, this wine is beautifully balanced. Spicy, but not too tannic, fruity but not bubbly. Exactly what a wine from this DOC should be. (Robyn’s Picks, 10/99)
Taurino 1994 Salice Salentino Riserva ($N/A). On the one hand, light and fruity. On the other hand, just enough tannins and body to make it work. This is a sunny, enjoyable wine – perfect with a picnic. Widely available and ready to drink. (Robyn’s Picks, 10/99)