Intense ruby red colour, with a complex aroma reminiscent of cherries, raspberries and currants. The oak ageing adds a pleasant toasty, spicy character. The palate is full bodied, soft and long-lasting.

We reckon Carlomagno  will become one of our bestselling Italian reds – customers will love all that richness, warmth and bold, ripe fruit. Carlomagno  comes from Puglia, in Italy’s deep south, best known for big, smoky wines made from prized local varieties Primitivo and Negroamaro.

From the warmth of the Puglian hills comes this substantial Primitivo. This full bodied red is made in the 'Appassimento' method whereby the grapes are picked when they reach perfect maturity, they are harvested and left to dry on straw mats in the sun for about 12 days, this concentrates the natural flavours, losing around a quarter of their natural weight. The grapes are gently pressed, allowing the skin to remain intact and ensures maximum colour extraction. Fermentation takes place for 8-10 days with frequent pumping over. This attention to detail produces a full-bodied, rich and powerful wine with an intense ruby colour.

Primitivo is one of Southern Italy's leading red grapes whose origins date back to the 18th century and to the Dalmatian Coast, from where it was brought to Puglia. Recent research has revealed its kin to have also been shipped to California from Croatia to be renamed as Zinfandel. Certainly both varieties show a propensity towards lovely full bodied rich styles choke full of wild berry character.