Primitivo di Manduria 'Papale Oro' Varvaglione 2021

The Primitivo di Manduria 'Papale Oro' from the family-run Varvaglione winery is one of the estate's most representative labels, a pure Primitivo of great concentration and generosity. The 'Papale' collection ranks among the winery's top quality wines and is centred on the Primitivo grape variety, the oenological symbol of the Taranto area and in particular of the Manduria territory, the area from which the grapes destined for this label come. The appellation 'Papale' was chosen to pay homage to the only Apulian pope in history: Benedict XIII.

The Primitivo di Manduria Varvaglione 'Papale Oro' is a 100% Primitivo from old vines grown using the alberello system in the Manduria area with its red soils. In the winery, the grapes are vinified in red with alcoholic fermentation in stainless steel tanks in contact with the skins at a controlled temperature of between 26 and 28 °C. Once the malolactic fermentation, a process that softens the wine's taste, has also been completed, the mass is placed to age in French oak barrels and American oak barriques for a period of at least 10 months. This is followed by bottling and further resting in the bottle before final marketing.

The colour of Varvaglione's 'Papale Oro' Primitivo di Manduria is an intense ruby red. The bouquet is characterised by hints of jammy red fruits, such as raspberry and redcurrant, enriched by sweet notes of vanilla that emerge on the finish. Round, warm and enveloping taste development, characterised by soft tannins and a generous savoury finish. The producer's own suggestion is to pair Primitivo di Manduria 'Papale Oro' with red meat and game dishes, although it is also excellent with mature cheeses.