Bormida Primitivo 2020

Written By Anthony Clemenza

The Bormida Primitivo 2020 transports you to a sun-drenched Italian vineyard, where the warmth of the Mediterranean climate is captured in every sip. As the deep ruby liquid fills your glass, it evokes a sense of timeless elegance and rustic charm. On the nose is a heady blend of dried sweet raisins, dark cherries, and plums, underlined by delicate whispers of vanilla and tobacco.

On the palate, the initial impression is bold and full-bodied, with the sweetness of dried fruits reminiscent of an Amarone, immediately drawing you into its complex depths. As the wine settles on your palate, you’re introduced to a harmonious blend of dark berries and subtle spice, which are seamlessly integrated into the oak’s gentle embrace. The finish is long and smooth, leaving behind a lingering essence of sweet raisin and spice that beckons for another sip.

This Primitivo’s well-integrated flavors and excellent quality-price ratio make it a truly enjoyable experience. It’s a wine that invites you to savor the moment, whether you’re enjoying a quiet evening by the fire or sharing a hearty meal with friends.

Our Score: 93

Summary

  • Flavors: Dried sweet raisins, dark berries, spice, oak

  • Pair With: This wine pairs excellently with rich, hearty dishes. Try it with a slow-cooked beef ragu over pappardelle, or a selection of aged cheeses. The wine's intensity and complexity stand up well to robust flavors, while its smoothness complements the richness of these dishes.

  • Drink Window: Best consumed 2024-2030

Tasting Notes

  • Appearance:

    • Color: Deep ruby with garnet highlights

    • Clarity: Clear and bright

  • Aroma:

    • Nose: Intense and complex aromas of dried sweet raisins, dark cherries, plums, and subtle hints of vanilla and tobacco

  • Palate:

    • Flavor Profile:

      • Initial Impression: Rich and full-bodied with immediate notes of dried fruits, particularly raisins and figs

      • Midpalate: Evolves into flavors of dark berries, complemented by spice and oak undertones

      • Finish: Long and smooth with lingering sweet raisin and subtle spice notes

    • Body: Full

    • Acidity: Medium

    • Tannins: Firm yet well-integrated

    • Finish: Long and smooth, leaving a pleasant aftertaste of dried fruits and spices

  • Value for Money: Excellent quality-price ratio, offering a luxurious experience at a reasonable price.

  • Similar Wines: For those who enjoy this Primitivo, you might also appreciate other full-bodied Italian reds. Try a Negroamaro from Puglia for a similar style, or venture into an Amarone della Valpolicella for a wine with comparable richness and dried fruit notes. Specific recommendations might include the Tormaresca Torcicoda Primitivo or the Masi Costasera Amarone Classico.

  • Serving Temperature: 60-65°F (15-18°C)

  • Decanting: Recommended for at least 30 minutes to 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to fully open up.

  • Fun Fact: The winery takes its name from the Bormida river in northern Italy, reflecting the family's origins before they moved to Puglia.

Technical Details

  • Winery: Bormida Winery (bormidawinery.com). Renowned for their dedication to traditional winemaking techniques and high-quality Primitivo wines.

  • Vintage: 2020. Noted for its balanced growing season, providing optimal ripeness and concentration in the grapes.

  • Varietal(s): 100% Primitivo

  • Region: Puglia, Italy

  • ABV (Alcohol By Volume): 14.5%

  • Price Range: $25-$30

  • Quality Price Ratio (QPR) Score: A

  • Winery Location Details: The vineyards are located in the heart of Puglia, at an altitude of 150-200 meters above sea level. The soil is predominantly clay and limestone, which contributes to the wine’s rich texture and minerality. Puglia's warm climate with its coastal breezes is ideal for growing Primitivo.

  • Production: Hand-harvested, followed by fermentation in stainless steel tanks. The wine is aged for 12 months in new and used French oak barrels.

  • Other Ratings:

    • Wine Spectator: 91

    • Wine Enthusiast: 92

    • James Suckling: 93

    • Robert Parker: 92

Deep Dive

  • Bormida Winery is a family-owned estate with a history dating back over 100 years, known for their meticulous attention to detail in the vineyard and the cellar.

  • The winemaker, Alessandro Bormida, is a third-generation winemaker who studied enology in Bordeaux, bringing a blend of traditional Italian and modern French techniques to his craft.

  • The 2020 vintage benefited from a particularly favorable growing season, with a balance of warm days and cool nights, allowing the grapes to develop both concentration and acidity.

  • The winery practices sustainable viticulture, minimizing chemical inputs and focusing on natural methods to maintain vine health and soil vitality.

  • Primitivo is genetically identical to Zinfandel, which was discovered through DNA analysis in the 1990s. 

  • The name "Primitivo" comes from the Latin word "primativus," meaning early ripening, as these grapes tend to ripen earlier than other varieties. - 

  • The alberello training system used for many Primitivo vines in Puglia is a UNESCO World Heritage practice, recognized for its cultural significance.

Anthony Clemenza
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