At the risk of offending the entire state of California, I don’t particularly care for Zinfandel. However, top renditions of this grape (known as Primitivo it Italy) from Puglia, located in the heel of the Italian “boot,” can really do it for me, based on more modest ripeness and fresher acidity. This excellent example from an Antinori estate in Salento shows plenty of fruit to satisfy all but the biggest jammy Zin freaks, yet with structural properties that can also prove pleasing to those who prefer more restrained Old World wines.
Tormaresca, Salento (Puglia, Italy) Primitivo 2010
By Michael Franz