Posted By Joel on April 20, 2009

Feudi di San Gregorio “Ognissole” Primitivo di Manduria 2006

ANY SUN
I sleep very far away from the land
Of Italy and my homeland, Taranto.
For me this is bitterer than death.
Such is the vain life of every nomad.
But the Muses loved me and for all
My misfortunes, in exchange they gave
Me the sweetness of honey.
Leonida’s name is not dead.
The gifts of the Muses will make it shine
Under any sun.

This elegant translation of *Ognissole by Leonidas da Taranto, lyrical poet from the 3rd century BC, is an poignant expression of antiquity in Puglia and how many suns have set over this land of Primitivo di Manduria.

The Ognissole estate was born in 2000, having been established by the founders of southern Italian wine producer Feudi di San Gregorio. For those of you unfamiliar with Feudi, they have a remarkable portfolio of wines based on grape varieties indigenous to southern Italy. Feudi’s Ossignole group focuses attention upon the incredible potential of ancient local grape varieties to move Puglia ahead as a world class wine region.

Primitivo di Manduria is made from 100% Primitivo grapes in a zone of the same name found in the region of Puglia.  Style wise, Primitivo is generally dark colored and rich with a luscious sensation of ripe fruit. This is a wine that can age a few years but is best consumed young.

The Primitivo grapes for Feudi Ossignole are harvested from 20 acres of vineyards located on the Salento Peninsula in the commune of Manduria . Puglia is pretty flat and vineyard altitude is just 250 feet above sea level. Ognissole’s Primitivo vineyards include younger vines planted at high density and older 20 year old vines less densely planted in medium calcareous soil with a significant clay component.

Vines are Guyot trained and harvested by hand.  After soft pressing and controlled temperature maceration, the wine is matured 14 months in new French oak.

Tasting Notes:

This Primitivo di Manduria has a deep ruby red core with flecks of crimson and violet. Ripe black fruits, sweet vanilla, cloves and black pepper on the nose.  A plush, velvety mouthfeel, with plum jam, blackberry and raspberry, accented by sweet spice, chocolate and espresso bean. Fine tannins, minerality and a lingering finish that continue to echo of chocolate-ty fruit and espresso.

Food pairing suggestions:  Red meats, pastas and risotto with rich or spicy red sauces, eggplant parmigianno, game, casseroles, stews, cured meats, cheeses. Especially try this wine with stuffed lamb chops or pork chops, “Sunday sauce” with pepperoni added, green bean casserole cooked in red sauce and pepperoni.  Also try this wine with mildly spiced Asian or Indian dishes.

*Ognissole translation from the Feudi web
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Categories: $ (Under $25), Puglia, Uncategorized, Wine
Tags: Primitivo