2018 Vigneti Del Salento Zolla Primitivo di Manduria Riserva DOP, Puglia

The Vigneti del Salento Zolla Primitivo di Manduria Riserva DOP from Puglia is a powerful expression of southern Italy’s most famous grape. Winemaker Filippo Baccalaro sources old bush-vine Primitivo from Manduria, grown in iron-rich red soils over limestone. The warm Mediterranean climate is tempered by cooling breezes from the Adriatic and Ionian seas, producing fruit of incredible ripeness, intensity and balance. Extended oak maturation gives this Riserva extra depth and polish, elevating it beyond the standard Primitivo.

In the glass, the wine shows a deep ruby hue with purple highlights. The nose is layered with ripe black cherry, plum, blackberry and dried fig, interwoven with cocoa, liquorice, vanilla, sweet spice and a balsamic lift. The palate is full-bodied and velvety, brimming with dark fruit richness supported by mocha, tobacco leaf and savoury spice. Fine tannins frame the wine, while a long, warming finish carries notes of clove and pepper. This is a wine of both generosity and structure, showing why Manduria is regarded as Primitivo’s spiritual home.

Food pairings are easy and indulgent. Think braised lamb shanks, osso buco, chargrilled beef with rosemary, or hearty pasta dishes. It also pairs beautifully with mature cheeses such as pecorino or aged provolone. With 8 to 12 years of cellaring potential, the Zolla Riserva will evolve into a more savoury, leathery style as the fruit mellows and the tertiary characters emerge.

Critics consistently highlight Zolla as one of the best values in Italian wine, praising its near Amarone-like concentration and polish at a fraction of the price. It regularly scores in the 90s from major wine publications, cementing its reputation as both a crowd-pleaser and a serious expression of Primitivo di Manduria.