Tenuta Albrizzi Cabernet Sauvignon Primitivo 2019

Smooth, fruit-packed ‘Super Tuscan’ reds (blends of international grapes like Cabernet with Tuscan stars like Sangiovese) are some of Italy’s most renowned, expensive wines. Here’s a deliciously powerful southern challenger to the style, from Angelo Maci, Vinitaly’s 2014 Winemaker of the Year.

Angelo’s Tenuta Albrizzi counts Vinitaly’s coveted Grand Gold medal among its many previous accolades (and it’s quite a prestigious one at that—it’s only given to 17 out of 3,000 entries). This new release is already taking home golds—and is sure to be a winner at your table, too.

For this ‘Super Puglian’ gem, Angelo pairs his Cabernet with Primitivo, Puglia’s signature red. Known as the ‘Godfather’ of southern Italian grapes for its deep, dark character, it adds layers of sun-baked cherry and blackberry to the rich, chocolatey Cabernet. All the grapes grow on Angelo’s prized ancient vines—low-yielding heirlooms that contribute layers of concentrated flavor to his wines. And they were in fine form in 2019, which “looks like it will be the best Puglia vintage in some time,” raves critic Antonio Galloni.

The force behind our wildly popular Pillastro Primitivo, Angelo is a BIG name in Puglia, the deep southern region that’s emerged as a top spot for flavor- and value-packed reds—called “sensational bargains with real soul” by top critic Robert Parker. If you’ve yet to try the wines from this exciting spot, this red will make a terrific introduction.