Gianfranco Fino Es Primitivo di Manduria DOC

Primitivo di Manduria DOCG, Italy

From 90-year-old alberello Primitivo vines on red limestone soils; Fino's flagship. Intense and complex: ripe fig, blackberry, carob, licorice, dark spice, and tobacco. Despite 16% alcohol, the wine achieves extraordinary balance and elegance. Extended maceration, aged in large French oak foudres. Among Italy's greatest red wines.

Pairing intelligence

• main: Dense Primitivo's fruit and tannin are the ideal companion to oxtail's collagen-rich richness; chocolate bridges
• main: Regional pairing; Es Primitivo's intensity and fig-dark fruit stand up beautifully to robust grilled lamb
• cheese: Southern Italian cheese with concentrated Primitivo; walnuts echo tannin structure; truffle honey bridges complexity