Heady ripe raspberries and dried purple flowers on the nose. Medium- to full-bodied with juicy fruit and light tannins. Lingering, intense fruit-cream finish. A suggestion of heat just at the end, but the persistent fruit deals with this. Drink now.

I am surprised this vintage is so light on its feet. The Leone de Castris 2017 Primitivo di Manduria Villa Santera, with a solid 14.5% alcohol content, shows snappy freshness nonetheless, which feels right at home in such a mid-weight style. Six months in large oak casks lend notes of smoke, tar and spice. A terrific value wine, you might pair it with an onion calzone. Some 290,000 bottle are made each year.

Plumped cherry, spice and a touch of citrus peel is layered with hints of smoke and loamy earth in this round and balanced, medium-bodied red. Drink now. 25,000 cases made, 3,000 cases imported.??–AN??Region: Italy / South / Puglia / Primitivo di Manduria Select to Add

This medium-bodied red is easy-drinking and balanced, with zesty flavors of strawberry puree, red licorice and pink peppercorn. Lightly chewy on the moderate finish. Drink now through 2019. 24,100 cases made, 300 cases imported.??–AN??Region: Italy / South / Puglia / Primitivo di Manduria Select to Add

Here's a great red wine to pair with juicy burgers or succulent pork chops. The 2015 Primitivo di Manduria Villa Santera shows its own level of ripeness and tenderness to pair with those meats. It offers great value and presents the soft and seductive side of Primitivo. The alcohol is a bit high but it is successfully folded into the rich plushness and sweetness of the fruit. Black cherry and robust blackberry are backed by allspice and crushed clove. There is a point of astringency on the close that gives the wine enough structure to partner with grilled meat dishes.