2014 Schola Sarmenti, Salento Rosso Critera, Primitivo

2014 Schola Sarmenti, Salento Rosso Critera, Primitivo

2014 Schola Sarmenti, Salento Rosso Critera, Primitivo

$16.95 Sale price $20.00 Price
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The 2014 Schola Sarmenti, Salento Rosso Critera, Primitivo was a Merchant's Pick

Blind Tasting Winner!

May 10, 2018

Primitivo? Yes, Primitivo!

What is Primitivo? It is a genetic cousin of Zinfandel - and a delicious Italian red. It is not fruit forward like many California Zins. Instead, it is restrained and rustic and downright delicious.

Throwback Thursday:

Almost ten years ago today I first discovered Schola Sarmenti's Critera. I was at a barbecue with several importers, each of whom brought several of their best California Zinfandels to showcase the upcoming vintage.

Notables such as Turley, Ridge and Robert Biale were there and true to form, they were quite good. We sampled ten bottles. We tasted, swirled and ate for about an hour until one importer suddenly presented an eleventh bottle. It was covered so we couldn't see the label.

It was the favorite of the day and it was good, really good! But, that bottle wasn't from California, it was from Italy. And, as you can guess, it was the Schola Sarmenti Primitivo.

Over the years, we've tried to find a better Primitivo, but simply cannot.

Located on the southern tip of Italy’s heel, the vineyards are a mere 10-minute drive from the sea. Under sunny, arid skies, the vines reach deep into a soil rich with marine fossils.

You can almost taste the Mediterranean influence!

With little to no oak influence, there is an intense fragrance of rich, dark berry fruit and subtle spice. Well-structured and warm, this full-bodied red has a classic Italian finish with fine chewy tannins. Blackberry and anise flavors last and last with a touch of menthol and hints of sage and pomegranate.

Critera is the perfect companion for any of your barbecue favorites, as well as pizza, pasta, or simply sitting around and enjoying with cheese.

California and Italian wine lovers will cherish this great value red. Enjoy!

MP

You Can Taste The Mediterranean Landscape In This Delicious Red

By David Gettenberg

Producer: Schola Sarmenti

Country: Italy

Region: Puglia

Subregion: Others

Varietal: Primitivo

Vintage: 2014

Size: 750ml

Code: W02867-1