Primitivo I Muri 2023 Vigneti del Salento, Puglia

Matthew Jukes  "I am often asked to recommend wines for parties and weddings and I always ask my clients to do their final decision-making “blind”. This epic Primitivo romped home at a highly charged taste-off and in doing so it blew all of the attendees’ minds with its insanely delicious flavour and unquestionable rapport qualité-prix. With the merest kiss of oak and utilising a large percentage of old vines, the fruit intensity here is tremendous, but it never oversteps the mark into elevated alcohol levels or Portiness. In fact, I Muri weighs in at 13.5%, which is nimble and refreshing by comparison with most red wines from Italy’s “heel”. The violet and rose-petal nose gives way to a vibrant plum and mulberry palate and it is dotted with liquorice and coffee-bean notes, which add impressive complexity. You must taste this wine. I know I will be drinking several flagons next Saturday, so perhaps we can raise a glass together."