This organically farmed Primitivo from the heart of Manduria is rich, smooth and full of southern Italian character. Bursting with ripe blackberry and plum fruit, gentle spice and hints of vanilla from oak ageing, it's a full-bodied red that's easy to enjoy with food or on its own. Crafted from carefully selected old vines, it reflects over a century of winemakingÂ
Tasting Notes & Food Pairings
The Profile:
Aromas of blackberry jam, ripe plum and sweet spice lead into a rich palate of dark berry fruit, cocoa and vanilla. Velvety tannins and a long, warming finish make this a generous, full-flavoured red.Â
Classic Pairings:Â Â
Grilled ribeye steak with rosemary. Slow-cooked lamb shank with garlic and herbs. Mature Pecorino or Parmigiano Reggiano
Irish Favourite Pairings
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Bacon & Cabbage with Parsley Sauce: The savoury bacon pairs well with the wine's fruit, and the creamy parsley sauce adds richness that the wine balances nicely.
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Steak Sandwich with Caramelised Onions: The juicy steak and sweet onions complement the wine's blackberry fruit and subtle notes of vanilla and spice.
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Sausage & Mash with Onion Gravy: A comforting match where the rich sausages and gravy soften the tannins, while the wine's acidity keeps the dish from feeling too heavy.
Awards & Accolades
Official Awards:  91 Points – James Suckling (2019 vintage).
Tre Bicchieri – Gambero Rosso, Italy's highest wine award (2023 & 2024 editions).
5 Grappoli – Bibenda, recognising outstanding quality.
Vivino Recognition: Rated 4.4/5 on  making it one of the platform's highest-rated Primitivo di Manduria wines. It has also been featured in the Vivino Wine Style Awards for Southern Italy Primitivo.
How the wine is made
Crafted exclusively from 100% hand-picked Primitivo grapes sourced from historic, low-yielding vineyards in Contrada Papale. The fruit undergoes temperature-controlled maceration and fermentation at 26–28°C to extract maximum color, aromatic intensity, and silky structure. Following malolactic fermentation, the wine is aged for at least 8 to 10 months in a combination of French oak tonneaux and American oak barriques before resting further in bottle to achieve its signature roundness and spice integration.
Why we love this producer
Varvaglione 1921 is a powerhouse of history, standing proudly as one of the oldest and most respected family wineries in Southern Italy, now spanning four generations. Based in Leporano on the picturesque Gulf of Taranto, the estate is passionately focused on elevating Puglia's native varietals while masterfully blending them with international grapes tailored to modern styles. We love them because they capture the warm, ancient soul of Apulian winemaking and wrap it in a clean, beautifully accessible, and incredibly forward-thinking package.
Sustainability & Farming Practices
Varvaglione focuses heavily on low-impact, sustainable agriculture across their historic Salento holdings. The estate utilizes natural methods to foster biodiversity in the soil, relying on carefully timed hand-management and defensive cover crops to preserve natural water table moisture and protect the vineyard from erosion under the intense Southern Italian sun. Â
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