2022 Tormaresca “Torcicoda” Primitivo Salento
From the sun-drenched Salento peninsula in Puglia, the “heel” of Italy’s boot, comes this exceptional Primitivo from Tormaresca. This estate
Producer
Tormaresca
I have reviewed one wine from Tormaresca: the 2022 Tormaresca “Torcicoda” Primitivo Salento (94 points).
Tormaresca is the Antinori family’s confident bet on Puglia, bringing centuries of Tuscan winemaking experience to the south. Rather than making bulk wine, Antinori invested in two distinct estates: Bocca di Lupo in the Castel del Monte DOC, for Aglianico, and Masseria Maime in Salento, for Negroamaro and Primitivo. The dual approach shows the region’s diversity, and Tormaresca has helped change the image of Puglian wine with bottles that are clean, balanced and fresh. Its “Bocca di Lupo” Aglianico is widely considered one of the best reds of southern Italy.
“Torcicoda” is a modern, polished Primitivo from the best vineyards of the Salento peninsula. The 2022 is deep, opaque ruby, with blackberry, plum and black cherry layered with vanilla, cocoa and cinnamon from oak. Full-bodied and velvety, with plush tannins, its concentrated dark fruit is balanced by subtle acidity, finishing long and warm with sweet spice and dark chocolate, ideal with barbecue ribs, braised lamb or hard cheeses.