Apollonio Terre del Grico Primitivo IGP 2021

Apollonio Terre del Grico Primitivo IGP is a rich and intense red wine from the Salento region in Puglia, Southern Italy. Made from 100% Primitivo grapes, this wine embodies the warmth and boldness typical of wines from the region. On the nose, it reveals aromas of ripe blackberries, cherries, and plum jam, with subtle hints of vanilla, cocoa, and sweet spices. On the palate, it is full-bodied and velvety, offering flavors of dark fruit, licorice, and a touch of black pepper. The wine is well-structured, with smooth tannins and a long, luscious finish.

Wine Details:

Type: Red Wine
Style: Full-bodied, Intense Red
Grape Varietal: Primitivo
Taste Like: Like Zinfandel, but with more jammy fruit, Mediterranean herbs, and earthy complexity typical of Southern Italian Primitivo.
Alcohol Percentage: 14%
Closure: Cork
Size: 750mL
Appellation: Primitivo IGP
Region: Puglia
Region Location: Southern Italy
Country: Italy
Terroir: The vineyards are planted on clay and limestone soils, which provide excellent drainage and contribute to the wine's minerality. The warm Mediterranean climate allows the Primitivo grapes to ripen fully, creating a wine with intense fruit concentration and balanced acidity.
Aging: Aged for 12 months in large oak barrels, followed by additional time in the bottle, which adds complexity, spice, and smoothness to the wine.
Farming: Sustainable farming practices are employed to ensure the highest quality fruit and minimal impact on the environment.
Serving Temperature:
16-18°C – Serve slightly below room temperature to highlight the wine’s ripe fruit, spice, and velvety tannins.

Winery:
Apollonio is a renowned family-owned winery with a long tradition of producing wines that celebrate the local grape varieties of Puglia. The Terre del Grico line reflects the winery’s commitment to crafting full-bodied, structured wines that express the character of Primitivo and the unique terroir of Salento. Apollonio has been a leader in the region for over 150 years, blending traditional methods with modern winemaking techniques.

Dishes this wine pairs with:

Grilled Meats: Ideal with grilled beef, pork ribs, or lamb chops.
Roast Game: Pairs beautifully with roast venison or wild boar, matching the wine’s bold fruit and earthy undertones.
Pasta with Meat Sauce: A great match for rich pasta dishes like lasagna or pappardelle with ragu.
Barbecue: Works wonderfully with smoky barbecued meats, enhancing the wine’s jammy fruit and spice.
Hard Cheeses: Pairs well with dishes featuring Parmesan or aged Pecorino.
Cheeses this wine pairs with:

Pecorino Romano (Italy): The salty, sharp flavor of Pecorino Romano complements the wine’s ripe fruit and robust structure.
Parmigiano-Reggiano (Italy): The nutty, crystalline texture of Parmigiano-Reggiano enhances the wine’s dark fruit and spicy finish.
Taleggio (Italy): The creamy, pungent flavors of Taleggio balance the wine’s bold tannins and fruity profile.
Caciocavallo (Italy): The semi-hard texture and savory flavor of Caciocavallo pair beautifully with the wine’s richness.
Pyengana Cloth-Aged Cheddar (Australia): A sharp, crumbly cheddar that brings out the wine’s depth of flavor and fruit intensity.