Tenuta Chiaromonte Primitivo Mascherone | 2022 *Organic

There's an underrated wine renaissance happening in Puglia, Italy's juggernaut for bulk wine production, only second to the Veneto. Primitivo, one of the region's most planted grapes, is typically big and boisterous, but top-notch producers, like Chiaromonte, are proving its alter ego elegance. Located just south of coastal Bari, altitude at 330m is a privilege along with calcareous soils. Here, the Chiaromonte family has been farming since 1826, just after Primitivo was officially recognized as a grape variety. With cooler north-facing vines, farmed organically, this is an irresistible expression which will woo you with its deep Raz fruits, wild blue sea, and toasty vanilla spice. Aged in steel and hovering around 14% alcohol, there's a refreshing buzz on the finish that will trick you into thinking that you're in a more northerly place. This Mascherone is an excellent introduction to a stalwart line-up from Primitivo specialists, Tenuta Chiaromonte. ~Allegra A