A Mano Primitivo di Puglia 2025

Even though this is a firmer, spicier Primitivo than many, there's still plenty of mouth-filling, jammy black fruit on display. It's well counterbalanced by bright acidity and energetic, robust tannins. The fruit flavours revolve around raspberries, blackberries and cherries while the pungent spiciness of black pepper is complemented by earthy oregano and a rich hint of liquorice. Taken together this leads to a richly flavoured, concentrated wine with a typically full-on character – Primitivo to a tee.

Good with grilled meats, tomato-based pasta or pizza. The spice and concentration also work well alongside semi-mature cheeses and other hearty dishes.

Californian Mark Shannon and his partner Elvezia Sbalchiero, originally from northern Italy, together form A Mano. They fell for the Primitivo grape found in the Puglian heel of Italy in the late 1990s and set about making their mark with what was, at the time, a neglected variety, and have since helped transform its reputation. They don't have extensive vineyards of their own but, by focussing on quality, a modern winemaking style and a willingness to pay their growers good prices for the best fruit, they've played their part in bringing Puglian Primitivo to prominence.