Varvaglione Chicca Primitivo di Manduria Dolce Naturale 2023

Drink it now or cellar for up to 10 years. It is recommended to decant it for half an hour. Located in the southern Italian region of Puglia, in the province of Taranto, Varvaglione is a winery with over 100 years of history, having been founded by Cosimo Varvaglione in 1921. Today, the company, considered one of the most promising in the region, produces high-quality Apulian wines from its approximately 150 hectares of vineyards, supplemented by grapes purchased from local winemakers. Part of the line dedicated to members of the Varaglione family, Chicca Primitivo di Manduria Dolce Naturale is the winery's only DOCG wine and pays homage to the sweetness of Francesca, the latest addition to the family (Chicca in Italian is often used as a diminutive for Francesca). After harvesting and vinification at a controlled temperature, the wine ages for 8 months in large barrels before a further 6 months in the bottle. In the glass, the wine reveals a vivid, brilliant ruby color and a fruity, fragrant aromatic profile with notes of cherry, currant, plum, and raisin, followed by spicy notes. On the palate, it is rich and full-bodied, sweet but not cloying. It is balanced and fruity with perfectly integrated tannins and a pleasant freshness. The finish is long and pleasant, recalling spicy and earthy notes. Try it with Christmas cakes, or with almond and nut-based desserts.