Morella 'Mezzanotte' Primitivo 2023

region: salento, puglia, italy
grape(s): primitivo
drinks best: now

Traditionally in Manduria, wine was was made by hand with the back-breaking work of tending low-trained bush vines. After World War II, these old bush vines were almost entirely uprooted in favor of higher yielding systems where machinery could harvest over-cropped grapes for wines bound for grocery stores at bottom shelf prices. Although Lisa was born in Australia, the winery she owns with her husband Gaetano Morella have focused on reviving these ancient traditional  techniques with their 30 acres of bush vines. This Primitivo is well worth the effort with its ripe yet well-balanced profile and notes of pomegranate, black raspberry jam and an herbal spice-laced finish.

pairing: broccoli rabe, guanciale, and pecorino with your favorite pasta shape