This was destined to be: in 2004 Gianfranco Fino decided to look for a small, particular vineyard to start his venture to make Primitivo di Manduria a world class wine.
No sooner than he started, he found the perfect plot that ticked all the boxes.
The purchase of a two hectare vineyard consisting of 40-50 year old Primitivo vines were his starting point.
To say he never looked back, would be a huge understatement. Now some 14 years later the initial purchase has grown to 70 hectares of small plots found in the environs of Manduria and Salva.
These vines are meticulously nurtured using organic methods to produce the finest quality fruit.
Gianfranco’s obsession with every aspect of the wine making process is the underlying reason that his wines stand alone.
A balance of structure, alcohol and acidity reveals elegance and persistence. In these ruby red wines one finds dark cherry, myrtle, bitter chocolate, sweet tobacco, spice, vanilla and herbs from the “macchia mediterranea”. A particular characteristic of some of his wines is a distinctive undertone of sea saltiness due the proximity of some of his vineyards to the sea.
All of this is no fluke, this is simply a case of the right man, in the right place, doing the right job.
Six years from his initial two hectare purchase the accolade of “ Wine Maker of the Year 2010” by Gambero Rosso was awarded as proof of the colossal achievement made by his winery.
Tasting Notes
A special tasting with Gianfranco Fino’s driving force, his charming wife Simona Natale
Anteprima: Gianfranco Fino SE 2017
Beguiling bouquet, dark cherry, tobacco. This will evolve into another winner for this estate.
Points 92 TW
Gianfranco Fino ES 2016
Deep, rich sweet warm fruit. Middle palate shows the balance of this wine from when the acidity kicks in along with a mineral undertone. Wonderful mouthfeel and a long finish.
Points 95+ TW
Gianfranco Fino ES 2015
Softer expression of this wine, more integrated, showing freshness with a pleasing savoury aftertaste.
Points 93 TW
Gianfranco Fino Es 2014 Riserva
This is without doubt the finest Primitivo I have ever tasted! Only 1500 bottles made. There are few wines that “root you to the spot” and this was one of them… We start with a deep ruby red colour, intense bouquet, amarena cherry, eastern brown spice and “balsamico” notes. Huge mouthfeel but not heavy as the acidic balance is “tight rope” perfect. Elegant, complex. Best from here.
Points 97 TW
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