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Sinfarosa Zinfandel Primitivo di Manduria DOC wine — Racemi winery — Dionysus

Sinfarosa Zinfandel Primitivo di Manduria DOC

by Racemi · Puglia, Italy

Awards & scores
  • Tre Bicchieri 2016Gambero Rosso, Vini d’Italia · 2013 vintage
Appellation
Primitivo di ManduriaDOC
Type
Red
Grapes
Primitivo
Line
Felline
Alcohol
15.0%
Sweetness
Off-dry
Colour
Red
Colour depth
Deep
Body
Medium-bodied
Serve at
16–18 °C
Keeps for
8–10 years
Bottled in
0.75 l
RacemiPuglia, Italy

About this wine

Vineyard and terroir

The wine comes from "terra nera", a black alluvial soil formed by the decomposition of organic matter from ancient forests and by rainfall eroding rock. The soil is deep, marshy and fairly fertile, which gives the vines plenty of vigour. Grafted cuttings of Californian Zinfandel were planted here, brought from the "Geyserville of Ridge" vineyard in America. The winery's "Accademia dei Racemi" project studied red earth, black earth and sand to show how differently a vine can express itself according to where it grows.

Ageing

Aged in French and American oak barrels, which add menthol and balsamic notes to the aroma.

Tasting profile

Well structured and full of character, with an intense fruity and spicy nose and a rich, velvety palate. On the black soil the Primitivo is especially spicy, with notes of black pepper, rhubarb and licorice, and a complex, persistent tannin structure. The oak adds menthol and balsamic notes. The wine is complex and ages gracefully.

Label / history

"Sinfarosa" is part of Puglia's winemaking history, reflecting the genetic and cultural link between Primitivo and Zinfandel. Felline, led by Gregory Perrucci, helped restore the reputation of Primitivo di Manduria around the world in the 1990s. It was one of the first wineries to officially recognise and promote the shared identity of Primitivo and Zinfandel, creating a bridge between Manduria and Napa Valley. It is part of the "Accademia dei Racemi" project created by Perrucci. The winery takes its name from the ancient area of Felline near Manduria, on the Ionian Sea coast, where according to legend Saint Peter landed in 45 AD on his way to Rome to preach Christianity.