“Rifugio” Primitivo del Salento IGT 2023

Conti Zecca | Puglia
Az. Agr. Conti Zecca di Agr. Soc. Coop | V. Cesarea | 73045 Leverano

15093723 · 0,75 l · 15,60 €/l · Price (DE) incl. VAT, excl. Shippingavailable immediately

The name Rifugio – refuge – tells of underground hiding places where the inhabitants of Salento once protected themselves from danger. Today, an entire area near Veglie bears this name, where particularly high-quality Primitivo grapes thrive on alluvial, clayey soils with limestone deposits. The traditional Conti Zecca winery, owned by the noble family since the 16th century and one of the icons of Apulia with 320 hectares of vineyards, vinifies this single-varietal Primitivo using tried and tested methods: manual harvesting with selection at the sorting table, gentle destemming and pressing, twelve-day maceration at 25 degrees, alcoholic and malolactic fermentation in stainless steel tanks. Maturation takes place over twelve months in large oak barrels of 30 hectolitres and in resin-sealed concrete tanks, followed by a short period of maturation in the bottle.

The Rifugio presents itself in the glass with an intense ruby red colour and dark core. The nose exudes seductive aromas of ripe blackberries and dark cherries, underpinned by notes of wild berries, tobacco leaves and spicy accents. On the palate, the Primitivo is soft, juicy and harmoniously structured – with a good balance between lively acidity and ripe, velvety tannins. The fruit remains present, accompanied by subtle toasted notes and a pleasant spiciness. A characterful, easy-drinking Primitivo with an authentic Salento profile. SUPERIORE.DE

"Dried and sour cherries, spices and green olives on the nose of this beautiful, complex red wine. Also some figs and sultanas. It is full-bodied but not heavy, balanced by a good freshness." James Suckling