Tormaresca 2016 Torcicoda, Primitivo, IGT Salento

Antinori established Tormaresca in the Puglia region of southern Italy in 1998 and from the estate's two vineyards, Bocca di Lupo and Masseria Maime, they've been producing outstanding wines for more than a decade. They use grapes indigenous to Southern Italy, like this marvelous Primitivo as well as blending international varietals. The Antinori team led by Renzo Cotarella, has proven to be very adept at preserving ancient traditions while also applying the most modern winemaking techniques.

This 2016 is 100% Primitivo, a close relative to Zinfandel. The grapes were harvested at a high level of ripeness, after the crushing, the maceration extended for 15 days in stainless-steel tanks. After the racking the wine completed the malolactic fermentation in French and Hungarian oak barriques where it was aged for 10 months.

Wine Spectator scored this 90 points and selected it as a Top 100 Wine of 2020. They said "Well-balanced and fresh, this medium-bodied red features a thread of ground spice that underscores flavors of crushed black raspberry, cherry, thyme and red licorice. Light tannins sculpt the clean-cut finish. Drink now through 2025."