Morella Primitivo Malbek 2016

Drink now through to 2022. No need to decant before serving.

Set in the charming town of Manduria in southern Puglia, Morella has quickly carved out a reputation as a top producer thanks to the passion of Lisa and Gaetano. The couple met in 2000 and soon decided to begin experimenting with the ancient local bush vines. After making their first batch in 2001 they invested in 5 hectares of old bush vines which they work using organic and biodynamic practices.

The Morella estate specialises in Primitivo, Puglia’s stellar indigenous grape variety, but this blend incorporates a small amount of another local grape, Malbek. The grapes are all sourced from Lisa and Gaetano’s small plots of old bush vines which helps to add intensity of flavour and a rich, smooth texture to the finished wines. This blend features 85% Primitivo along with 15% Malbek which are sourced from 40 year old vines.

The result is a full bodied red wine which sings with cassis, black cherry and ripe plums. Lisa and Gaetano age the wine in oak barrels for 10 months following vinification and then leave the wine to mature in the bottle for a further 8 months. This maturation process smooths out the tannins leaving them silky soft in the mouth and adds attractive sweet spice and oaky hints to the flavour profile.