Giustini Patu Primitivo

In 1991 Giuseppe Papadopoli purchased his first hectares of vineyard in the district of Giustini. A fourth generation grape grower with Italian and Greek heritage, Giuseppe felt like it was time for a change and started the dream of one day making his own wine.

Along with his sons Salvatore and Federico they released their first bottle in 2005 – named “Vecchio Sogno” which means “Old Dreams”.

In 2015 the dream came true when the Giustini winery was built in the village of San Giorgio in Puglia’s Salento sub region along the Adriatic coastline. This is an area known for its hot, dry Mediterranean climate and fertile soils. Combined with four generations of wine making know-how the Papadopoli family are crafting some very smart wines and in particular the likes of Primitivo and Negroamaro.

This is their Patu Primitivo – labelled Patu after the village the Papadopoli originally settled in.

Scoring 5 Stars and 93/100 with critic Sam Kim who said “Richly fruited and inviting, the bouquet showcases dark plum, blueberry, vanilla, roasted hazelnut, and mixed spice aromas. The palate is equally satisfying with excellent weight and plump mouthfeel, splendidly supported by silky tannins, finishing long and flavoursome.”

Here’s a fun Primitivo fact – the name Primitivo comes from the Latin word “primativus” and the old Italian word “primaticcio,” which mean “early ripener” or “first to ripen.” Pair it with red meats, mature cheeses and hearty pasta dishes.