RKS 2026 ITALIAN WINE: A Primitivo from Tommasi not a Zinfandel from NAPA!

Posted byRobert K Stephen (CSW)Posted inFood, WineTags:, , , ,

To assuage those North Americans intimidated by the name Primitivo why not simplify and say it is Zinfandel.

The wine is from the Apulia region of Italy.

It is 100% Primitivo grape grown in limestone soil rich in iron.

It was fermented in stainless steel and spent 12 months in oak casks.

Aroma: Black cherry predominates with blueberry, cactus pear, dark chocolate and a tiny bit of cherry Jello. Well integrated oak.

Palate: Robust. A bit brackish. Blackberry, black cherry, raspberry and dates. Moderately long finish. Acids and tannins in complete balance.

Personality: I may be robust as can be expected from the wines of Apulia but you may enjoy me as a sipping wine although best consumed with food.

Food Match: Pesto encrusted leg of lamb. Traditional turkey dinner provided lots of cranberry sauce on the table.

Cellarbility: Consume in 2026.

Price: $20 CDN.

RKS 2026 Italian Wine Rating: 90/100. Wine Enthusiast 90.

(Masseria Surani 2021 Primitivo di Manduria DOC, Tommasi, Viticoltori, San Pietro in Cariano, Italy, 750 mL, 13.5%).

Published by Robert K Stephen (CSW)

Robert K Stephen writes about food ,drink, travel, film, and lifestyle issues. He also has published serialized novels "Life at Megacorp", "Virus # 26, "Reggie the Egyptian Rescue Dog" and "The Penniless Pensioner" Robert was the first associate member of the Wine Writers’ Circle of Canada. He also holds a Mindfulness Certification from the University of Leiden and the University of Toronto. Be it Spanish cured meat, dried fruit, BBQ, or recycled bamboo place mats, Robert endeavours to escape the mundane, which is why he has established this publication. His motto is, "Have Story, Will Write."

Leave a comment