Tasting Notes
Primitivo done right from the hot heel of the boot of Italy - Puglia. It's a pretty complicated region and not too many people know much about it... I guess it hasn't really hit the spotlight in the wine world yet. Plantamura's estate is located in the Gioia del Colle DOC, which is part of the Murgia (Bari) sub-region in central Puglia. Simple, right? Of course not, it is Italy after all.
It's 100% Primitivo grown organically on limestone soils rich in fossiled shells. The fruit character is dark, showing blackberry and blackcurrent fruits, with a little cherry on top. It's a fresher style of Primitivo, due to the 350m of altitude where it's grown, which I like to see from this variety grown in hot conditions. - Chris L
An increased focus on the environment and an awareness of sustainable agriculture have given rise to a huge increase in organic viticulture. This is an exciting area of growth in the world of wine, and if done right, one that leads to better wines, healthier vines and soils, and less stress on the earth.
But what makes a wine organic?
Organic wine refers to a method of farming, rather than winemaking. It all starts in the vineyard, where vignerons and viticulturalists no longer use synthetic or systemic pesticides, herbicides or fertilisers. Instead they opt for organic compounds such as copper and sulfur, which can help reduce he pressure of disease and pests. This results in much better vine and soil health, with no unwanted chemicals leeching into local rivers and waterways through run-off.
Organic farming is not to be confused with Biodynamic farming which, although similar, is a different approach and requires many more specific practices. These practices such as specific soil preparations, and lunar-cycle harvesting are not necessary to achieve an organic system.
It is important to note that organic wines can still have sulphur dioxide added to them. Sulphur is an organic compound, and therefore winemakers are free to add it to their wines, and still achieve organic certification. Winemakers will often add sulphur to help stabilise the wine and protect it from oxygen come bottling time. The wine will still be completely organic, assuming the proper farming practices have been adhered to.
| Product Type | Wine Red Zinfandel & Primitivo |
| Volume | 750ml |
| Country | Italy |
| Region | Puglia |
| Sub Region | Gioia del Colle |
| Winemaking Practices | Minimal Intervention |
| Vineyard Practices | Organic/Biodynamic |