Producer

Jorche

I have reviewed three wines from Jorche, from the 2020 to 2022 vintages, across Salento and Primitivo di Manduria. Most are Primitivo. Scores range from 90 to 90, averaging 90; the highest is the 2020 Jorche Primitivo di Manduria (90 points).

Jorche works in the Salento, the flat, sun-drenched peninsula at Puglia’s southern tip, where iron-rich red soils and relentless heat give Primitivo and Negroamaro their density. Wood is used to round the wines rather than mask them, so they keep their Mediterranean signature of dark fruit, warm spice and a wild herbal edge while gaining structure and polish.

The flagship Primitivo di Manduria comes from vines around forty years old and ages nine months in a combination of barrique and large Italian botti: deep ruby, with berry jam, black plum and warm spice over balanced tannins. Soltema, from younger Primitivo vines aged nine months in botti, trades power for immediacy, velvety and round. Caleido, a Negroamaro aged 15 months in wood, unites the grape’s intensity with soft edges, plum, black cherry and violet on a silky, savory palate.