Varvaglione 12 e Mezzo Primitivo del Salento Puglia Italy

Organically farmed in southern Italy, this Primitivo combines ripe blackberry fruit with notes of dark chocolate and sweet spice. The palate is smooth and rounded, with soft tannins and a refreshing balance that keeps the wine vibrant despite its generous fruit character. At 12.5% ABV, it's a versatile red that's easy to return to glass after glass.

Tasting Notes & Food Pairings

The Profile:

An elegant ruby red in the glass, opening with inviting aromas of ripe dark plums, black cherry jam, nutmeg, and subtle cocoa. The palate is smooth, structured, and generous, bursting with juicy blackberries and dark currants framed by silky-soft tannins and a lingering vanilla-and-coconut finish.

Classic Pairings:

Roasted lamb cutlets, slow-cooked Bolognese, wood-fired pepperoni pizza, or hard aged Italian cheeses like Pecorino. *

Irish Favourite Pairings:

Awards & Accolades

Official Awards: Awarded **Double Gold** at the prestigious *Sakura Japan Women's Wine Awards*, a **Gold Medal** at *Mundus Vini*, and an outstanding **92 Points** from *Wine Review Online*.

Vivino: Holds an exceptional global crowd rating, proudly placing in the **Top 5% of all wines in the world** and the **Top 7% of all wines from Salento** on Vivino.

How the wine is made

Crafted by Varvaglione 1921 using 100% organically grown Primitivo grapes from the warm, clay-sandy soils of Salento. The grapes are harvested at ideal ripeness to capture vibrant fruit flavours while keeping natural sugars in balance for a lower-alcohol profile. Following a controlled temperature fermentation and malolactic conversion in stainless steel, the wine spends 3 to 6 months refining in American oak barriques, which infuses its signature notes of sweet vanilla, toasted coconut, and cocoa.

Why we love this producer

Founded in 1921 near Taranto in Salento, Varvaglione 1921 is a fourth-generation family winery led by Cosimo Varvaglione and his family. Their popular 12 e Mezzo range celebrates the character of Puglia through approachable wines with moderate alcohol (around 12.5% ABV) and plenty of flavour. We love their combination of traditional family winemaking, organic farming and modern styles that consistently deliver exceptional quality and value.

Sustainability & Farming Practices

Varvaglione 1921 is committed to producing wines that respect both the environment and the traditions of the Puglia region.

Certifications: Certified Organic under European Organic Farming standards.

Vineyard Practices: The vineyards are managed without synthetic fertilisers, herbicides or systemic pesticides, helping to protect soil health and encourage biodiversity. In the winery, gentle handling, temperature-controlled fermentation and a minimal intervention approach help preserve the natural character of the grapes while reducing environmental impact.