Gianfranco Fino Es Primitivo di Manduria 2023

Drink now or cellar for up to 15 years. No need to decant before serving. One of Salento’s most magnificent Primitivo di Manduria wines, Es is created in strictly limited quantities. In the vineyard the use of chemical herbicides and pesticides is avoided along with dry farming to concentrate the flavours and aromas in the grapes. The grapes are allowed to dry out slightly on the vine before harvest to add extra complexity and richness and they are then harvested by hand. Once in the winery the grapes are fermented in stainless steel tanks and then aged in new and used French oak barrels for 9 months before bottling. After another 9 months of ageing in the bottle the wine is deemed ready for release. Opulent aromas define the nose with intense blackberry, cassis and dark plum while the first sip reveals a generous full body, smooth tannins and very long finish with hints of cigar box spice. This full-throttled red is the iconic wine of Gianfranco Fino who began his search for the perfect vineyard site in Puglia in 2004. Keen to preserve the winemaking traditions and heritage of the region, he purchased a prime 2 hectare plot planted with 50 year old Primitivo vines and began to make wines that capture the true sunbaked essence of the Sava and Manduria countryside.