2020 JK.14 Lirica Primitivo di Manduria DOC

Brand	Jk.14 Wines
Region	Puglia
Varietal	Primitivo
Size	750ml
Alcohol %	14.5%
Vintage	2020
Country	Italy
Organically Grown

Primitivo is one of Italy's greatest grapes. It is thought to have arrived in Puglia, the heel of Italy, in the 18th century from across the Adriatic Sea via the Croatian coast. Its Italian name was derived from its early ripening nature. John Kirwan the famous All Black has a love for all things Italian, starting with his Italian wife and he wanted to share his love and passion for Italian wines with us back in NZ. Making a selection of different varieties and spirits selling under his JK.14 label here in Aotearoa.

sensual aromas of cinnamon and spice, tar and rose petals giving way to red liquorice, violets, and sandalwood.

typically, Primitivo’s can be big, dark brooding beasts which need to be decanted, but not this wine…. In fact, it reminds me aromatically of Nebbiolo from the far North, Piedmont with notes of roses and tar, and the palate has charm, charisma, and elegance. Fragrant, floral, forest floor flavours underpinned by red cherry stone notes are interwoven with fine grain, structure-giving tannins. Excellent balance and poise and a pleasure to the senses. Too delightful to not drink now but will cellar well in the correct storage conditions for 4-5 years. The perfect partner for roasted red meats cured meats and pasta.