On her blog Wine Thoughts, top Houston wine blogger Sandra Crittendren writes:
2010 Cantele Primitivo – Aromas of black plum, dark cherry and licorice. Dry with a medium body, medium alcohol, medium tannins and medium acidity with flavors to match the aromas and a slightly spicy, long finish. Very smooth and drinkable. I served it with barbequed and smoked pulled pork sandwiches and it was delicious.
Now that’s the type of pairing we like!
Click here for more of her tasting notes…
“Leather and forest floor notes mingled with dark cherries and spice,” writes “Southwestern Wine Guy,” Jim Hammond (above), on Cantele Primitivo.
A veteran wine writer and blogger, he is one of the most colorful and popular wine personalities in New Mexico.
“The tannins were soft and dense and the finish lingered. I’d choose this combination of food and wine again in a New York minute.”
After tasting the wine at popular Albuquerque wine bar and grill, Nob Hill, he wrote the pairing up for ABQArts, a local nightlife, dining, and entertainment publication.
Click here for the complete review.
Nob Hill Bar & Grill
3128 Central Ave SE
Albuquerque, NM
(505) 266-4455
Google map
CLASSIFICATION: I.G.T. Salento.
GRAPE VARIETY: 100% Primitivo.
PRODUCTION AREA: Sava (TA), Torricella (TA), San Pietro Vernotico (BR).
TRAINING: Head-trained (alberello), (4,500 plants per hectare).
HARVEST: Early September.
VINIFICATION: After being destemmed and crushed, the must macerates with skin contact for 6-7 days. Fermentation is carried out at 25-26° C.
AGING: The wine is then aged in barriques for approximately 6 months.
AGING POTENTIAL: This wine is ready to drink but will continue to evolve for 3-4 years.
COLOR: Ruby red with delicate garnet undertones.
NOSE: The minerality of the nose creates a delicate combination of morello and sour cherry and prune. Floral and spicy notes follow in a superbly persistent finish.
PALATE: Gentle tannins, impressive acidity combine with the classic delicacy and alcoholic content of Primitivo in the flavors of this once forceful but now elegant and noble wine.
PAIRING: Pasta with rich meat sauces, excellent with red meat and in particular lamb. An ideal pairing for moderately aged as well as intense ripe cheeses.
SERVING TEMPERATURE: 18° C. (64° F.).
