Antinori Tormaresca Neprica Primitivo 2021
In the 1990s, the Antinori family invested in Puglia, the heel of Italy, a region traditionally recognized more for the quantity, than the quality, of its wine grapes. A number of economic and terroir factors help make the decision. Land prices (especially compared to Tuscany) are not expensive. The soil conditions and climate are favourable for expanding the production of local grapes as well as some international varieties. “Tormaresca is a fancy name, a play on Puglian dialect, and means tower by the sea,” Antinori explains. “This is also a continuation of Antinori’s philosophy of respecting local tradition and the original vines, while using technology to enhance the results.
The grapes are harvested, crushed and transferred to stainless steel tanks where alcoholic fermentation takes place over a period of 8-10 days at a controlled temperature not exceeding 26 °C (79 °F). The malolactic fermentation is finished by the beginning of winter. NePriCa Primitivo is further aged in stainless steel tanks for approximately 8 months and a further 4 months in bottle.
The wine is ruby red in colour. On the nose it reveals aromas of cherry and jam along with light notes of violets and anise.
On the palate, this Primitivo is dry, delicate, balanced, beautiful in character, with soft tannins and a pleasant flavour. Harmonious, attractive and long-lasting in the finish.
Pairs well with grilled vegetable pasta, pizza rustica, spaghetti bolognese, pasta putanesca, eggplant parmesan, hamburgers and lamb curry.
