Manduria, Puglia, Italy
Served double-blind. First impression: “What the hell is this?!” Umami, German chocolate cake, flower shop…opulent in ever sense of the word. Dark fruit for dayzzz…with a sort of raisinated character that slips in at the finish. Remarkable depth. There’s also a black pepper thing on the very back end. Hefty structure with rather remarkable acid considering how bulky this wine is and, to be frank, rather necessary considering the 16% abv. Finish is sooooo long. I figured some sort of Valpolicella Ripasso or even an Amarone (neither are wines I drink a whole lot of but seem to fit the profile) and obviously from a good producer. When this was revealed, I can’t say I was shocked only because the Primitivo di Manduria also fits the description. That being said, this was my first experience with Gianfranco Fino’s wines and it was certainly a hedonistic treat.
Served double-blind. First impression: “What the hell is this?!” Umami, German chocolate cake, flower shop…opulent in ever sense of the word. Dark fruit for dayzzz…with a sort of raisinated character that slips in at the finish. Remarkable depth. There’s also a black pepper thing on the very back end. Hefty structure with rather remarkable acid considering how bulky this wine is and, to be frank, rather necessary considering the 16% abv. Finish is sooooo long. I figured some sort of Valpolicella Ripasso or even an Amarone (neither are wines I drink a whole lot of but seem to fit the profile) and obviously from a good producer. When this was revealed, I can’t say I was shocked only because the Primitivo di Manduria also fits the description. That being said, this was my first experience with Gianfranco Fino’s wines and it was certainly a hedonistic treat.
Apr 10th, 2021
Strength reined in by elegance and spice balanced by aromatics and fruit. Phenomenal.
Strength reined in by elegance and spice balanced by aromatics and fruit. Phenomenal.
Nov 18th, 2014
2011 WOW my friend Sal gave it to me. Primitivo is Zin right? wrong! It's f***ing primitive!
2011 WOW my friend Sal gave it to me. Primitivo is Zin right? wrong! It's f***ing primitive!
Nov 16th, 2014
UBBBP Vol. 34; Platz 1; Michael mit 91,70 Punkten
UBBBP Vol. 34; Platz 1; Michael mit 91,70 Punkten
Mar 14th, 2023
Primitivo/Zinfandel as it should be, but rarely is. This wine must be decanted to remove sediment, and needs a long time to breathe. I would recommend 3 hours open before serving. Strong wine with 16.5% alcohol. When first opened, it was sweet, and the alcohol was overwhelming. But then it opened up and showed earthy and leathery flavors.
Primitivo/Zinfandel as it should be, but rarely is. This wine must be decanted to remove sediment, and needs a long time to breathe. I would recommend 3 hours open before serving. Strong wine with 16.5% alcohol. When first opened, it was sweet, and the alcohol was overwhelming. But then it opened up and showed earthy and leathery flavors.
Feb 16th, 2020
Again, stunning! Drink it young, give it some time in the cellar. Doesn't matter. This wine is phenomenal, always... But you need to love the style
Again, stunning! Drink it young, give it some time in the cellar. Doesn't matter. This wine is phenomenal, always... But you need to love the style
Feb 7th, 2019
