This week, it’s all about one grape: Primitivo. Primitivo is quickly becoming the next grape of choice. This is a grape with very enjoyable qualities, affordability, and a crowd-pleasing palate. Typically one will find it to be a deep ruby-colored wine that’s rich and concentrated with flavors of zesty cherry, clove, wild blackberry, raspberry and spice. As for affordability, there are solid Primitivo choices out there in the price range of $10 to $20. You can certainly spend more on a wine to cellar, but the everyday-priced Primitivo can be a gratifying experience in and of itself. And there’s something you should know: this year at VinItaly, a wine from Puglia took top honors as the best wine of the year in Italy; it was made from 100% Primitivo.

If you need further convincing or specific examples of good Primitivo, look no further than this week’s tasting starting with the 2008 San Marzano Sud Primitivo ($15). This is a bold full-bodied wine loaded with flavors of dried plum, pomegranate, and black cherries accompanied by ample leathery tannins and some savory notes of sun-dried tomatoes. This red is perfectly suited for almost any occasion but try the “SUD” with roasted pork loin and a side of tomato salad with a liberal amount of Olive Oil.

For a slightly lighter version of the versatile grape, try Cantine Due Palme’s 2007 Le Sciare Primitivo ($13). This wine has been a part of Panzano’s Puglian selection for a few years now and is a favorite of frequent shoppers and staff alike. Le Sciare’s version is a more medium-bodied wine with herb and spice, notes of peppercorn and thyme, and is ripe with flavors of rich dark fruits (like wild blueberries and dried cherries). This is a great bottle to bring to a dinner party, cookout, or to your own table. We feel that this Primitivo does exceptionally well when paired with grilled sausages, arugula salads, or a good margherita pizza. Along with Le Sciare’s attractive price tag and delicious palate, Cantine Due Palme can lay claim to some serious bragging rights. This year at VinItaly while Le Sciare may not have won “best in show”, they did come away “The highest scores for the three best wines obtaining special mention”. This award goes to the top producer in each region of Italy. Not too shabby for a $13 bottle of vino. As always, you can expect to taste the two wines mentioned along with a few other offerings: Primitivo, of course. If you are even the least bit interested, be sure to make some time to stop in to visit us at the tasting table.

Cheers!

Fred Mullins