2021 Vigneti Del Salento Vigne Vecchie Leggenda Primitivo di Manduria, Puglia

Vigneti del Salento celebrates the rich winemaking traditions of Puglia, in Italy's sun drenched south. Part of the Farnese Vini group, the winery focuses on the region's indigenous varieties, particularly Primitivo, which thrives in the warm Mediterranean climate. Leggenda is a richly flavoured expression of Primitivo di Manduria, made from old vines that produce concentrated fruit and remarkable depth.

Manduria, in the heart of the Salento peninsula, is renowned for its powerful, velvety Primitivo. The old vines, known locally as vigne vecchie, produce naturally low yields, concentrating the flavours of dark berries, ripe plums and Mediterranean spice. The 2021 combines the generosity of the region with the savoury complexity that makes mature vine Primitivo so appealing.

Deep ruby red with garnet reflections. Ripe blackberry, black cherry and dark plum mingle with dried fig, sweet tobacco, cocoa and a hint of vanilla. The palate is full bodied and plush, with concentrated dark fruit, velvety tannins and a warming richness. Notes of liquorice, dark chocolate and baking spice carry through a long, smooth finish.

Try it with slow cooked beef cheek ragù and pappardelle, smoky eggplant parmigiana, or lamb shoulder with rosemary and garlic. Its rich fruit would also be excellent with a wood fired pizza topped with spicy nduja, roasted capsicum and mozzarella.

Cellaring: Drink now to 2032. Already generous and approachable, with enough concentration to develop further savoury complexity