The redemption of Puglia wine, from a commodity to a globally appreciated product, comes through the exponential growth of labels based on Primitivo. When producers began to understand the potential of the grape variety and decided to showcase it at its best, bottling it with their own name rather than sending anonymous tanks to various destinations, a chain of mediocrity was broken, aiming to narrate Apulia and its richness more effectively.
Among the native Apulian grape varieties, Primitivo boasts a larger cultivated area. Its name is believed to stem from its early ripening. It is grown across much of the region, but its prime territories are certainly the limestone hills of Gioia del Colle and the provinces of Taranto and Brindisi, where it gives life to the Primitivo di Manduria DOC.
The Primitivo wines with the best value for money according to the Berebene 2024 guide
Over time, the stylistic perspective of Primitivo has changed: we have moved from wines that were very warm, often with very impactful residual sugars, to wines that bear a clear Mediterranean character, where the fruit manages to remain intact and, in the best cases, the sip is also supported by good acidity. What's great is that to find excellent labels among these wines, you don't have to spend a fortune: here, we provide a list of the best Primitivo wines under 20 euros reviewed in the Gambero Rosso's Berebene 2024 guide. However, the advice, as always, is to also explore those not included in the list.
- Gioia del Colle Primitivo Fanova 2021 - Terrecarsiche 1939
- Gioia del Colle Primitivo Lavarossa 2021 - Vito Donato Giuliani
- Gioia del Colle Primitivo Parco Largo 2022 - Plantamura
- Gioia del Colle Primitivo Sellato Ris. 2021 - Viglione
- Primitivo di Manduria Lirica 2021 - Produttori di Manduria
- Primitivo di Manduria Notte Rossa Ris. 2019 - Terre di Sava
- Primitivo di Manduria Passo del Cardinale 2022 - Paolo Leo
- Primitivo di Manduria Terra Bianca Giravolta 2019 - Felline
- Punta Aquila Primitivo 2020 - Tenute Rubino
- Tiati Black Primitivo 2019 - Teanum
- Volere Volare Primitivo 2021 - Pietraventosa
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