Cantina San Marzano 62 Anniversario
Primitivo di Manduria D.O.P. Riserva
Primitivo
I was at the charming ‘Al Boccon Di' vino’ restaurant in Richmond, UK. It is a lovely Italian restaurant with the premise of serving a meal in the format of an Italian wedding banquet. No menu, several courses and a beautiful ambience. You are allowed to let them know of any dietary requirements and they are more than happy to oblige, preparing special dishes to comply with your requirements. It is run by chef-proprietor Riccardo and restaurant manager Simona.
I have been there several times but my first meal at Al Boccon Di vino was my most memorable. It is a small restaurant and you are packed in like sardines but this only adds to the atmosphere and overall experience. On asking for the wine menu, a larger-than-life and charismatic lady, emphatically said ‘I am the wine menu!’. She then rattled off a whole list of wines that I struggled to keep up with or identify. So I asked for her recommendation, she proceeded to ask a few questions regarding the type of wines I enjoy and then went off to the cellar. She came back with this bold and classy looking bottle. Just holding the hefty bottle makes you curious about the wine within, at least double the weight of a normal bottle.
The grape is a primitivo, (or Zinfandel), which I have discussed in a previous post. The wine itself is a deep, dark purple colour in the glass. The first thing that strikes you about the wine is the mouth-feel, it is an all-encompassing smooth and velvety sensation. The wine is densely flavoured with notes of black cherry, prunes and slight spice. The tannins are well integrated and there is a touch of sweetness. It is a full bodied wine but very approachable at a young age. The wine benefits from decanting but is very drinkable as soon as you open the bottle. It is one of my go-to wines and I always ensure I have a few bottles in the cellar. Highly recommended, never fails to impress, a definite crowd-pleaser. In one word, delicious.
Overall score: 92
Price:
- UK: £25.99 (Amazon Link)
- EU: €27.90
- AUS: $55.99
Wine specification:
- Grape variety: 100% Primitivo
- Region: Puglia, Italy
- Vintage 2015
- Alcohol: 14.5%
- Maturation: French and American Oak for 18 months
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