Primitivo di Manduria Dolce Naturale 'Albiria' De Quarto 2019

De Quarto's Primitivo di Manduria Dolce Naturale 'Albiria' is an interpretation of the amazing sweetness of Manduria's most representative grape variety. Producer Antonio De Quarto manages 20 hectares of vineyards in Lizzano, some 20 kilometres south-east of the city of Taranto, based on several fundamentals such as high planting densities, Apulian alberello cultivation, very low grape yields per hectare and the adoption of non-invasive vinification. The appellation of this label is linked to the name of Countess Albiria, daughter of the Norman king Tancredi, who, according to some sources, built the hamlet of Lizzano in 1208.

Antonio De Quarto's 'Albiria' Primitivo di Manduria Dolce Naturale is a 100% Primitivo from vines bred to the Apulian alberello system on red limestone soils without pesticides or chemical herbicides. The grapes are hand-picked at the end of September in a dried state and are then vinified in red with spontaneous alcoholic fermentation in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks, combined with 8 days of maceration on the skins. The subsequent elevation phase also takes place in stainless steel, and the wine is finally bottled with a high percentage of natural residual sugars.

The colour of Primitivo di Manduria Dolce Naturale De Quarto 'Albiria' is a consistent ruby red with violet hues. The aromatic range opens on ripe perceptions of candied cherries, jammy strawberries and sultanas, combined with complex hints of cocoa and tobacco. Soft and very sweet on the palate, with a full body and fine tannins that anticipate the lingering finish of intense fruity sensations. This sweet wine can beautifully accompany desserts such as black fruit tarts.