2019 Piccini Frapasso Primitivo Di Manduria DOC, Puglia

This bright cherry wine has a bouquet wrapped in chocolate and clove, with vanilla and cocoa notes and vibrant fruitiness. It has a lingering finish of sweet licorice and figs. A perfect pair for roast meats, game stews and meat sauces.

97 points Annuario Del Migliori Vini Luca Maroni

From the heat and light of Puglia’s south, where old vines sit low to the ground and soak up every bit of sun, this Primitivo leans into generosity without losing its balance. Piccini, with roots going back to 1882, brings a polished, modern feel to the style, using a gentle Frapasso approach to deepen flavour while keeping things smooth and inviting.

The nose is all warmth and comfort, ripe plum, blackberry and dark cherry layered with a touch of dried fig, sweet spice and a hint of cocoa. It feels generous straight away, but not overdone.

There’s a plush, rounded feel as it opens out, fruit sitting front and centre, supported by soft tannins that give just enough shape. A flicker of spice and a faint savoury edge keep it from becoming too rich, while a gentle thread of freshness carries everything through. The finish lingers on dark fruit, a little mocha and soft spice.

This is built for big, relaxed flavours. Sticky pork ribs, slow cooked lamb or a proper lasagne all work beautifully, but it’s just as good with roasted eggplant, smoky capsicum or a hearty chickpea and tomato stew where the wine’s richness finds its match.

Drinking beautifully now, right in its comfort zone, and will hold over the next few years.