Pillastro Primitivo 2020

“There is no better time to check out Puglian wine than now. I can’t imagine a better source of distinctive, charismatic and easy-to-drink wines for under $25.”
– Monica Larner, The Wine Advocate

And we can’t imagine a better place to start exploring than with Pillastro Primitivo. This Puglian stunner is a hit with all who taste it, boasting more than 60 honors in its award pedigree and tons of Favorite clicks from our customers—this vintage alone has clocked a 90-point score and a gold medal. (So far.)

This wine’s cachet is hardly surprising when you consider the source: Angelo Maci is a three-time Vinitaly Winemaker of the Year whose estate, Cantine due Palme, has been named Southern Italian Winery of the Year three times at the same show (the world’s largest trade wine tasting).

Primitivo, a cousin of California’s fruit-packed Zinfandel, is the godfather of southern Italian grapes. It’s dark, rich and persuasively charming—and Angelo is a master at drawing out those qualities, insisting that all Pillastro’s grapes be harvested from very old (flavor-boosting) vines.

His quality dedication pays off every year, too, as you can see from the growing awards tally. Boasting oodles of sun-ripened raspberry and plum character, plus hints of spiced raisin, freshly brewed coffee and sweet vanilla oak.

It’s a wine you just have to taste (and you’ll be in very good company when you do).