Tasting Notes and Characteristics:

Big, plush and sun-warmed on the palate, this Paololeo Passo del Cardinale Primitivo di Manduria offers immediate fruit-driven appeal for a relaxed evening or a hearty meal. ABV 0.145 (14.5%), it comes from Italy’s Puglia region where warm coastal sun and clay-limestone soils yield concentrated Primitivo grapes, typically vinified to emphasize ripe fruit and soft tannins with short to moderate oak aging to add structure.

On the nose and palate expect ripe black cherry, plum, blackberry and a touch of dried fig, backed by baking spice, cocoa and a peppery finish. The wine’s richness and warmth stand up to grilled lamb, cutting through fat and enhancing char, and pair beautifully with aged pecorino, where the wine’s fruit and spice complement the cheese’s salty, nutty texture.

Producer Information: Paololeo

Paololeo is based in Puglia in southern Italy, operating as a family-run producer rooted in small-scale agriculture and estate-grown olives. They began from generational grove stewardship and evolved into an integrated mill and bottling operation that emphasizes low-temperature milling, traceability from grove to bottle, and strict sensory and chemical quality control. Their production approach prioritizes sustainable cultivation, timed hand and mechanical harvesting to preserve polyphenols, and batch cold-press extraction to maintain freshness, fruit character, and low acidity.

Beyond their flagship extra virgin olive oil expressions, Paololeo’s broader portfolio spans single-varietal and blended oils featuring cultivars such as Coratina, Ogliarola, and Leccino, seasonal monovarietal releases, and culinary infusions like citrus and chili-flavored oils. They also market complementary gastronomy products including aged vinegars, preserved olives, and artisanal condiments, and periodically collaborate on limited-edition specialty items such as small-batch spirits or liqueurs tied to regional botanicals and traditional recipes.