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Lovers of big reds will adore this rich, spicy wine from Italy’s Puglia. It’s made from pure Primitivo, the Italian name for California’s Zinfandel, air dried for 4 weeks to add even more intense, punchy flavour, just like they do for pricy Amarone.
Tasting notes
Pepper, spice, intense red fruit and damson
Aroma
Ripe red fruit, a hint of vanilla, lots of spice
Allergy information
Contains sulphites
This weighty red is named after an ancestor, Umberto, of winemaker Scipi Giuliani (of Papavero fame). Umberto left Italy for the US in 1890 and dedicated his life to the grape he loved – Zinfandel (aka Primitivo in Italy). No wonder, then, he gained the nickname Uncle Zin. Scipi’s aim was to produce the “ultimate Italian blockbuster” and he has certainly delivered. Grapes from Puglia’s Salento were hand-picked, then dried on special trays for weeks, appassimento style. This method intensifies flavours, and only after that are berries pressed and the juice fermented. It makes for a velvety, super-concentrated wine, much like the expensive Amarones of Italy’s Veneto. This powerful red is a must with roast meats, game or hard, tangy cheeses.