Schola Sarmenti Diciotto Primitivo is an extraordinary, ultra-premium red wine produced in Salento, Puglia. Crafted by Schola Sarmenti, a renowned estate dedicated to preserving ancient vine heritage in southern Italy, "Diciotto" (meaning eighteen) derives its name from its remarkable natural 18% alcohol volume. Made from hand-selected, 85-year-old bush vines (alberello Pugliese), this benchmark bottling delivers an exceptionally rich, opulent, and profound expression of the Primitivo grape.

Why You'll Love It

This is a legendary, full-throttled Italian red that offers unprecedented power combined with surprising freshness and silkiness. Ancient, low-yielding bush vines produce grapes with unmatched flavour concentration and complexity. Aged for 14 months in new French oak barrels followed by extended bottle resting, it delivers a luxurious, velvety mouthfeel packed with dark dried fruits, bittersweet cocoa, and warming spice without feeling heavy or unbalanced.

Vineyard & Production

The fruit is meticulously hand-harvested in small, breathable crates from 85-year-old estate vines grown on red limestone soils in Salento. After a secondary berry-by-berry selection on sorting tables, the grapes undergo a slow, temperature-controlled fermentation. The wine matures for 14 months in new medium-toasted French oak barrels, followed by a further 10 months of maturation in the bottle before release to harmonise its impressive structure and rich fruit profile.

Tasting Notes

In the glass, it reveals an intense, impenetrable ruby-black colour. The nose opens with a lavish bouquet of dried figs, blackberry jam, dark cherry liqueur, and prune, beautifully integrated with nuances of dark chocolate, tobacco, sweet vanilla, and toasted oak. On the palate, it is opulent, full-bodied, and deeply warming, featuring a dense core of dark fruit guided by rich, velvety tannins. A surprising streak of Mediterranean acidity maintains balance through an exceptionally long, memorable finish.

Perfect Pairings

Given its incredible power, weight, and alcohol profile, this majestic Primitivo is best served alongside substantial, intensely flavoured dishes. It pairs magnificently with slow-braised beef short ribs, venison stew, roasted game, and rich lamb tagines. It is also an extraordinary meditation wine, pairing wonderfully with dark chocolate desserts or aged, crystalline cheeses such as mature Pecorino or Gorgonzola Piccante.

Grape Varieties

100% Primitivo

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