What kind of wine is Salento Primitivo IGT 'Es' 2022 - Gianfranco Fino

The Salento Primitivo IGT 'Es' 2022 - Gianfranco Fino is one of the most iconic red wines of Southern Italy. It originates in the heart of Salento, a land of sun, wind, and heat, where the Primitivo grape finds its most authentic expression. The name "Es" is inspired by the Freudian concept of instinct, evoking a wine created with pure passion, free from rules and constraints. It is a full-bodied and enveloping red, rich in intensity, yet always able to maintain extraordinary elegance and harmony between power, freshness, and warmth.

Vintage Details

The 2022 vintage in Salento was characterized by a warm and dry climate, typical of Apulian summers, but with good temperature fluctuations that favored the aromatic concentration of the grapes. The harvest was done manually, following a slight drying on the vine, a technique that increases the sugar and polyphenol concentration, giving depth and roundness to the wine. The result is a vintage that stands out for its fullness and generosity, but also for its freshness and aromatic precision.

Vinification and Aging

The Primitivo Es 2022 is vinified in stainless steel, where fermentation takes place with long maceration on the skins, to extract color, structure, and aromatic complexity. After fermentation, the wine ages for about nine months in first and second-passage French oak barriques. This time in wood helps to soften the tannins and integrate spicy and toasted notes, while maintaining the richness of the fruit. Before release, the wine rests further in the bottle to achieve perfect balance.

Tasting Notes

The Salento Primitivo IGT 'Es' 2022 - Gianfranco Fino is a wine that captivates from the first glance, then surprises on the nose, and ultimately conquers the palate.

Color

In the glass, it presents an intense ruby red with purplish reflections, almost impenetrable, a sign of the typical concentration of Primitivo and the careful selection of grapes.

Nose

On the nose, it is ample and enveloping, with aromas of ripe red fruit such as plum and black cherry, followed by hints of dark chocolate, sweet spices, and light balsamic notes. The balance between fruity and spicy components is the stylistic hallmark of this wine.

Palate

On the palate, it is powerful and velvety, with a dense yet soft tannic structure that merges into a long finish. The well-balanced acidity gives impetus and vivacity, while the finish is warm, complex, and satisfying. It is a wine of great structure, capable of exciting even the most demanding palates.

Food Pairings for Salento Primitivo IGT 'Es' 2022 - Gianfranco Fino

Thanks to its strength and softness, Primitivo Es 2022 pairs easily with rich and savory dishes. It is ideal for:

• Grilled or braised red meats.
• Typical Southern Italian dishes such as eggplant parmigiana or baked lamb.
• Aged cheeses with intense flavor.
• Dark chocolate or cocoa-based desserts, for a daring yet surprising pairing.

It is also a meditation wine, perfect to enjoy alone to appreciate all its aromatic nuances.

Storage and Aging: How to store Salento Primitivo IGT 'Es' 2022 - Gianfranco Fino wine

To preserve the qualities of this wine, it is essential to store it horizontally, in a cool environment free from temperature fluctuations. The ideal storage temperature is between 12 and 16°C, with controlled humidity and away from direct light.

The Salento Primitivo IGT 'Es' 2022 - Gianfranco Fino has great aging potential: it can evolve beautifully for over 10 years, developing more complex notes of spices, tobacco, and leather over time. It is a wine that tells the story of Salento's time and land, combining power and grace in an unforgettable harmony.