2020 Masca del Tacco Lu Rappaio Primitivo di Manduria

Decanter magazine said, “Primitivo is practically synonymous with Puglia and the south of Italy.” We say, if you truly want to experience the quality of a fine Primitivo di Manduria, you need the 2020 Lu Rapppaio.

It must be said that the Primitivo di Manduria is slightly different from the rest of Puglia. Manduria has a privileged location, right in the middle of the Salento peninsula. This allows the marine breeze coming from both the Adriatic Sea and the Ionian Sea to refresh the vineyard. The soil is composed of limestone with iron oxide fossils, giving it a distinctive red color. This soil is also known as Terra Rossa and it is typical of the Mediterranean region. The climate is ideal too, with mild winters and extremely hot summers, and according to Decanter, "Primitivo is the most sun-loving grape I have seen."

If you love bold, full-bodied, fruit forward, complex red wines, you’ll adore this Primitivo.

Italy's star continues to rise in the wine world, and Puglia is one to watch. According to Wine Spectator, the future of this beautiful southern region (also known as the “Tuscany of the South”) looks increasingly bright thanks to the fact that “producers are upgrading and investing in vineyards and winery infrastructure and embracing new philosophies and techniques.”

Puglia is a land filled with traditions, culture, alluring landscapes, pristine nature, amazing food, and most importantly, amazing wine producers, like Masca del Tacco. The estate was founded in 2010 when Felice Mergè bought and restored a century-old building.

Owners and winemakers, Manlio and Felice Mergè perfectly combine traditional winemaking with modern state-of-the-art technology, with a simple yet powerful goal in mind: “honor the tradition, identity, and terroir, delivering outstanding wines made with passion, commitment, and experience.” 

The huge vineyard extends for more than 500 acres and is planted with vines with an average age of 50+ years. Syrah, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Lambrusco, and the kings of the region: Primitivo, Negroamaro, Fiano, and Susumaniello are planted on the estate. The beautiful terroir is enriched by the warmth of the land and the sea influence of the Salentina peninsula.

Masca del Tacco's amazing high quality has paid off and in the past years, it has gained the heart of some of the world's major wine critics, including the world-renowned Italian critic, Luca Maroni, who year after year awards these wines with 95+ scores.

In the Apulian dialect, Lu Rappaio means “the bunch" making a reference to the Primitivo clusters, which are large, quite compact, and known for producing inky, tannic bold, and spectacular wines.

Tasting Notes: 100% Primitivo. Deep intense ruby red, smells of blackberries and strawberry jam, rosemary and violet. Smooth in the mouth, complex, full-bodied, and very persistent. Pair this wine with meat sauce and mushrooms, polenta, and grilled meat.