Primitivo wines from Salento can be both dry and sweet, depending on the winemaking style and the specific vineyard practices. In general, Primitivo wines from Salento tend to lean towards the sweeter side, often with residual sugar present in the final product. However, it is important to note that there are also dry red wines produced from Primitivo in the Manduria region.
The Primitivo grape itself is known for its rich and ripe fruit flavors, often reminiscent of blackberries, plums, and cherries. These fruit characteristics are well-suited for producing wines with a touch of sweetness, as the natural sugars in the grapes can be fermented partially, leaving behind some residual sugar in the finished wine. This residual sugar contributes to a fuller and richer mouthfeel, enhancing the fruit-forward profile of the wine.
In Salento, where the climate is warm and sunny, the Primitivo grapes have ample opportunity to fully ripen, resulting in higher sugar levels in the berries. This, combined with the winemakers' preference for producing wines with a touch of sweetness, leads to the prevalence of sweeter Primitivo wines in this region. These wines are often enjoyed as dessert wines or served with rich and flavorful dishes.
However, it's worth mentioning that in Manduria, a sub-region of Salento, the focus is more on producing dry red wines from Primitivo. The vineyards in Manduria benefit from cooling sea breezes, which help to preserve acidity in the grapes and create a balance between sugar and acidity in the final wines. These dry Primitivo wines showcase the grape's natural fruitiness without the sweetness, offering a different expression of the variety.
As a sommelier and brewer, I have had the pleasure of tasting various Primitivo wines from Salento, both dry and sweet. One particular Primitivo I encountered was a semi-sweet red wine with luscious blackberry and plum flavors, accompanied by a velvety texture and a hint of spice. It paired beautifully with a rich chocolate dessert, highlighting the wine's fruity sweetness.
Primitivo wines from Salento can be found in both dry and sweet styles, with the sweeter versions being more common. The warm climate and ripe fruit flavors of the Primitivo grape lend themselves well to producing wines with a touch of sweetness, resulting in a full-bodied and fruit-forward profile. However, in certain sub-regions like Manduria, dry red wines are also produced, showcasing the natural fruitiness of the grape without the sweetness.