Primitivo di Manduria Riserva DOC Paolo e Carlo Classe 1966

The Primitivo di Manduria Riserva DOC Paolo e Carlo Classe 1966 is a well-rounded, full-bodied southern Italian wine from Apulia – a Primitivo with character, neither hiding nor overdoing it. It comes from the best vines around Manduria, where the hot sun imparts deep color, ripe fruit, and considerable body to the grapes.

The wine spends 12 months in wooden barrels, giving it a beautiful, intense ruby-red color and a smooth, yet not spongy, mouthfeel. The nose reveals ripe plums, cherry jam, a touch of dried apricots, and notes of cocoa, vanilla, and a hint of coffee from the barrel aging – enough spice to be interesting, but not so much as to overpower the fruit.

On the palate, the Primitivo is velvety and opulent, with a full, warm body, fine, soft tannins, and a pleasantly fruity, almost slightly sweet character that nevertheless reads as dry or off-dry. At around 15% ABV and served at 16–18°C, it pairs perfectly with hearty beef or lamb dishes, game, savory appetizers, and strong cheeses – a wine that simply begs to be enjoyed without overthinking.