×
Case only
Long-term Pre-Arrival
Red
750ml - Case of 6
Bottle: $134.94
The 2008 Pagos de Viejas was selected from three of the estate’s finest and most elevated sites with all of the...
WA
95
Case only
Long-term Pre-Arrival
Red
750ml - Case of 6
Bottle: $316.95
The delicate balance between all of the natural agents that comprise this unique environment produces a wine that is...
Case only
Long-term Pre-Arrival
Red
750ml - Case of 3
Bottle: $252.95
This is a phenomenal, tiny-production red made mostly from colorino and canaiolo grapes. It has an amazing density...
JS
99
WS
93
Case only
Long-term Pre-Arrival
Red
750ml - Case of 6
Bottle: $124.95
Dense ruby-purple color. Intense, intriguing nose of high class cigar tobacco intermixed with smoke, minerals, black...
Case only
Long-term Pre-Arrival
Red
750ml - Case of 6
Bottle: $83.41
The 2008 Corbaia is striking in this vintage. A delicate, graceful bouquet gives the impression of femininity, until...
WA
96
Case only
Long-term Pre-Arrival
Red
750ml - Case of 6
Bottle: $83.41
Formerly labeled Roccamonfina IGP.
Sale
Long-term Pre-Arrival
Red
1.5Ltr - 1 Bottle
Bottle: $501.70 $533.72
Case only
Long-term Pre-Arrival
Red
750ml - Case of 6
Bottle: $143.95
Here's another special peek back in time. The 2008 Bolgheri Superiore Grattamacco is drinking beautifully right now...
WA
96
WE
94
Case only
Long-term Pre-Arrival
Red
750ml - Case of 12
Bottle: $71.20
Case only
Long-term Pre-Arrival
Red
750ml - Case of 6
Bottle: $274.95
The 2008 Ornellaia continues to blossom in the bottle. Dark cherries, chocolate, espresso, blackberries and mocha are...
WA
97
VM
97
Case only
Long-term Pre-Arrival
Red
750ml - Case of 6
Bottle: $966.62
The 2008 Pingus had just been bottled when I tasted it. Deep purple in color, it sports a splendid aromatic array of...
WA
99
Case only
Long-term Pre-Arrival
Red
750ml - Case of 6
Bottle: $375.58
The 2008 Sassicaia is a rich, deep wine imbued with notable class in its black cherries, plums, grilled herbs,...
WA
96
Case only
Long-term Pre-Arrival
Red
750ml - Case of 6
Bottle: $139.95
The 2008 Guado al Tasso is once again fabulous. In fact, it may be Tuscany’s most improved wine over the last few...
WA
95
JS
94
Case only
Long-term Pre-Arrival
Red
750ml - Case of 6
Bottle: $45.35
Case only
Long-term Pre-Arrival
Red
750ml - Case of 6
Bottle: $82.95
Structured and racy, showing blueberry and chocolate aromas and flavors, with loads of currant. Full and tannic, yet...
WA
96
WS
96
Case only
Long-term Pre-Arrival
Red
750ml - Case of 6
Bottle: $195.95
The 2008 Tignanello is unquestionably one of the wines of the vintage. The 2008 isn't a huge or obvious Tignanello,...
WA
94
VM
94
Case only
Long-term Pre-Arrival
Red
750ml - Case of 3
Bottle: $392.95
A style on its own, redolent of olive, cacao, sweet spice, truffle. Unique. Smooth velvety texture, showing gradually...
DC
97
WA
96

Italian Red Blends Primitivo Tempranillo 2008

As with many European grape varietals, there is some debate regarding the precise origins of the Primitivo grape. Most people now agree that it probably came from Croatia, where it is still used widely in the production of red wine, and it known as Tribidrag. However, today it is a grape most commonly associated with the powerful red wines of Puglia, the heel of Italy’s boot, where the intense sunshine and brisk Mediterranean breezes produce grapes of remarkable character and balance. Primitivo is a dark grape, known for producing intense, inky, highly tannic wines, most notably the naturally sweet Dolce Naturale and the heavy and complex Primitivo di Manduria wines. Primitivo tends to be naturally very high in both tannin and alcohol, making it ideal for both barrel and cellar ageing, which brings out its more rounded and interesting features.


Primitivo is not the easiest grape to grow or manage, and it has had something of a difficult century. Indeed, by the 1990s, there was little interest in Puglian wines in general, and winemakers were neglecting their Primitivo vineyards and looking to other, more commercially viable varietals. However, the last decade has seen this grape come well and truly back into fashion, with new techniques and a heightened interest in native Italian grape varietals bringing Primitivo back into the spotlight. It is now widely loved for its intensity and ability to be paired with strongly flavored foods.

There are plenty of notable native Spanish grapes which have made a big impression on the wine world at large, but none are as renowned or as widely loved as the Tempranillo varietal. This black skinned grape has been used for wine making for centuries, with several ancient civilizations noticing the fact that it is highly versatile and holds some delicious flavors and aromas, perfect for those looking for a powerful yet elegant grape for their wines. Tempranillo often causes winemakers some trouble, however, as it is highly susceptible to many diseases. Despite this, plenty continue to persevere with this varietal, as it is perfect for producing delicious and complex single variety and blended wines, packed full of classic Spanish flavors and plenty of aromatic and intense surprises.