Danzante Primitivo
Tasting Notes
Danzante Primitivo has deep ruby red color and an open, floral bouquet layered with fragrances of wild red berry, dried plum, and spices. The balanced complexity and intense, persistent flavors of this robust red wine make it the perfect accompaniment for a wide variety of pasta, meat and cheese dishes.
The Grape
The name Primitivo comes from the Italian word "Primaticcio" meaning early, due to the grape's short vegetative cycle and precocious ripening compared to other varieties. It's believed to have been brought to Italy from an area of Croatia known as Dalmatia over 2000 years ago, finding the perfect environment in the southern area of Italy. In the Middle Ages it spread to the area today known as Puglia.
Regional Notes
The grapes for Danzante Primitivo are selected from the province of Taranto, on hills overlooking the Ionian Sea. Early wine growing in Puglia dates back to 2000 BC, and in later years, Greek settlers introduced more advanced systems of viticulture and vinification. The region continued to prosper and today is among the most productive agricultural and wine regions in Italy. Primitivo thrives in this warm, dry climate producing a wine that is powerful yet elegant.
Danzante Primitivo Technical Information
Appellation: Primitivo Della Publia IGT
Vineyard Location: The Province of Taranto, Puglia
Growing System: Cordon-trained, spur-pruned vines
Time of Harvest: September
Serving Temperature: 60-65 degrees
Winemaking
The grapes are hand harvested in September, and soft pressed. The wine is then fermented in stainless steel tanks at 25 C (77 F) for approximately 10 days. It is given seven days of extended skin contact to extract the variety's color and aromas. Immediately following the primary fermentation, the wine undergoes Malolactic fermentation to increase the complexity and soften the acid. The wine is not oak aged, but rather matures in stainless steel for approximately 9 months in order to enhance its powerful fruit flavors.
Download 2004 Danzante Primitivo Tasting Notes
