Pride of Italy’s south is rich, ripe and red: Cantine Due Palme’s Pillastro from Puglia
In Puglia, in the heel of Italy’s boot, a third-generation winemaker has been leading a revolution: to create full-flavoured reds that appeal around the world.
In Puglia, down south in the heel of Italy’s boot, a third-generation winemaker has been quietly leading a revolution.
Angelo Maci, born to a small winemaking family in Salento, has spent the past 30-odd vintages elevating the global reputation of Italy’s second-biggest wine region by helping his winemaking brethren replace quantity with quality. In his own words, his mission was to “give pride and dignity back to Salento growers”.
By the end of the 1980s, Puglia had become better known for producing cask wine at rock-bottom prices than premium table wines for discerning international wine lovers.
Knowing this sunny strip of fertile soil could produce far better fruit, Angelo began convincing grape growers to join together in a wine co-operative, investing in modern cellar technology and sustainable cultivation.
He began in 1989 with 15 members in his co-operative delivering their grapes to his winery – Cantine Due Palme – where he employed top-class oenologists experienced in every step of the winemaking process.
Even today, with the co-operative now involving more than 1200 members, the growers attend weekly meetings in Angelo’s cellar from April to the end of harvest where agronomists help direct the big vineyard decisions, such as selecting exact picking dates.
Over the years, pride has been restored to Puglia, which ties with Sicily as Italy’s second-biggest wine region after Veneto. Puglia’s primitivo has won global acclaim; Decanter magazine has described the region as offering “a lot of wine for your money”; Cantine Due Palme has been awarded southern Italy’s winery of the year three times; and Angelo has been recognised with multiple winemaker of the year crowns.
The Australian Wine Club this week offers a special deal on four delicious reds from Cantine Due Palme’s Pillastro portfolio for only $16.49 a bottle.
The Due Palme’s Pillastro wines are typical of modern Puglia: rich soft reds, generous in flavour that speak of that sunny warm southern coastline, where hot days are cooled by night-time winds blowing in from the Adriatic Sea.
They offer exceptional value and an opportunity to transport your tastebuds, without leaving home.
This inky classic has developed a loyal following in Australia, becoming the biggest-selling European among our wine club fans. The primitivo (popularised as zinfandel in California) bursts with spiced plum and raspberry flavours and a touch of spice leading to a soft smooth finish. Certain to shine at any afternoon BBQ. Won gold at the American Wine Awards and scored 90 points at the Gilbert & Gaillard International Competition. 13.5% alc. RRP $21 a bottle. Italian mixed dozen deal: $16.49 a btl
Pillastro Selezione d’Oro 2020
This steps up the Pillastro experience: rich, dark, old-vine primitivo is blended with negroamaro, a dark-skinned, tannic variety grown on the Salento peninsula. The grapes are grown on old bush vines, ageing up to 50 years old. Aged in French oak for nine months. Black and red fruit flavours mingle with a touch of vanilla and sweet spice in this gold-medal winner. A sumptuous experience that calls out for lamb roast, baked with rosemary. 14% alc. RRP $28.99 a bottle. Italian mixed dozen deal: $16.49 a btl
A cabernet-primitivo blend (60%/40%), including grapes from 80-year-old vines. Ripe black and brambly fruits characteristic of sunny southern Italy stand in line, supported by spicy notes and rustic tannins, creating a beautifully balanced wine. Won gold at the American Wine Awards. 14% alc. RRP $28.99 a bottle. Italian mixed dozen deal: $16.49 a btl
The Susumaniello grape (roughly translated as “loaded as a donkey”) is only found in Puglia. As these vines mature, their yield quickly declines but the quality of the grapes improves dramatically. You’ll be greeted with sweet red cherry aromas and flavours, supported by fresh natural acid and ripe tannins. I really enjoyed something new. Angelo recommends teaming the Susumaniello with melanzane parmigiana. 13.5% alc. RRP $24.99 a bottle. Italian mixed dozen deal: $16.49 a btl
ITALIAN SPECIAL DOZENThree bottles of each wine $16.49 a btl
Order online or telephone 1300 765 359 Monday to Friday from 8am to 6pm AEST. Deals only available while stocks last. The Australian Wine Club is a commercial partnership with Laithwaite’s Wine People.
More Coverage
Add your comment to this story
These two chicken soups will help you heal
I find comfort in making soup when someone in the house is under the weather.
Why fine dining keeps its appeal in a tough economy
Fine dining isn’t dead. But its future in Australia is starting to look different.
To join the conversation, please log in. Don't have an account? Register
Join the conversation, you are commenting as Logout