Paololeo Primitivo di Manduria D.O.P. Passo del Cardinale magnum

Paololeo Passo del Cardinale Primitivo di Manduria DOP 1.5 l is a distinctive red wine from southern Italy, produced by Cantine Paololeo. The wine is made from the Primitivo grape, grown in the Manduria and Sava areas of the Taranto province, one of the most renowned regions for this variety.

The Primitivo variety is traditionally associated with the Apulia region and is known for its early ripening, rich fruitiness, and full body. For the Passo del Cardinale wine, the traditional alberello pugliese vine training is used, with grapes harvested in the early morning hours to preserve their freshness and typical aromatic character.

After harvesting, the grapes ferment in stainless steel tanks at a controlled temperature of 25 °C. Skin maceration lasts 15 to 18 days to gently extract color, tannins, and flavor structure from the grapes. The wine then ages for 3 months in American oak barrels and an additional 6 months in stainless steel tanks, giving it a combination of fruitiness, subtle wood, and balance.

The aroma reveals an intense bouquet of black berry fruits, particularly blackcurrants and cassis, transitioning into notes of sweet wood, coconut, coffee, and spices. The taste is full, assertive, and balanced, with soft velvety tannins, pleasant freshness, and a long finish with tones of forest fruits and spices.

Thanks to its large format of 1.5 l magnum, it is ideal for festive occasions, gifting, or shared dining. It pairs excellently with more robust dishes such as beef, grilled steaks, ragout, roasted meats, game dishes, wild mushrooms, and aged cheeses. It is recommended to serve at a temperature of approximately 18 °C in larger glasses to enhance its aromatic expression.