89

2011 Triade Rosso, Puglia

( £8.99 down to £6.75, 13.5%, Waitrose )

This is a comparatively unusual southern Italian red, given the presence of one third of Nero di Troia alongside the more widely planted Primitivo and Negroamaro in the blend. It’s also quite light by the toothsome standards of some of the region’s high octane reds, but certainly not lacking in flavour. Plum and damson fruit are underpinned by sweet toasty oak and a refreshing, peppery finish. 

BuyDrinking window: 2013-15Similar Wines: £5-£10, 86-90, Italy, Red, Negroamaro, Nero di Troia, Primitivo
89

2011 Taste the Difference Primitivo del Salento, Puglia

( £7.49 down to £5.61, 13%, Sainsbury's )

Sourced from the flatlands of the Salento peninsula, where Primitivo (aka Zinfandel) is at its best in Puglia, this is a toothsome, barrel-aged red at a very appealing price, showing flavours of plum, blackebrry and spice, with some peppery lift, a touch of tobacco and well-integrated oak. At its best with robust food. 

BuyDrinking window: 2013-16Similar Wines: £5-£10, 86-90, Italy, Red, Primitivo