Cosimo Taurino 'Settimo Ceppo' Primitivo Salento IGP 2018

In a winemaking region as vast as Puglia (among Italy’s largest areas for bulk wine production), the wines of Cosimo Taurino stand apart as a benchmark of incredible estate grown quality. Seven generations of the Taurino family have cultivated grapes in Puglia, and in the early 19th century Cosimo’s father began selling blending wines to his neighbors further north; his negroamaro-based wines much sought after among Piedmontese and Tuscan winemakers to add richness to their blends. This commercial success laid the groundwork for the transition to estate bottling, which Cosimo undertook in 1970, moving from a career as a pharmacist to take over the family winery. By the time of his premature death in 1999, he was considered a pioneer and leader of Puglia winemaking, with some critics describing Taurino wines as “Grand Cru Puglia.” Today the estate is run by Cosimo’s wife, Rita, their daughter, Rosanna, and her husband, Antonio, along with a trusted team of colleagues. Terroir-driven and intensely focused, this bottle is 100% primitivo from 70 year old vines. Fermented for 20-30 days, with 10-15 days of maceration, it is aged in stainless steel tanks, allowing the bold, rich fruit to really shine through. Dense layers of dark, spicy fruit (black cherries, berries, and plum) linger on a mouth filling palate, with firm tannins and a good amount of refreshing acidity. Rustic-yet-refined, this is perfect for pairing with cozy cool weather stews and braises.