Primitivo Schola Sarmenti Critera 750ml

Estate Summary

Schola Sarmenti is a boutique winery based in Salento, Puglia, renowned for its meticulous approach to preserving old-vine heritage and expressing the true character of indigenous varieties. The Critèra Primitivo is crafted from carefully selected vines, combining traditional practices with modern precision. The result is a wine of depth and refinement that showcases Primitivo in a more polished, expressive, and terroir-driven style.

Tasting Notes

This intensely coloured Primitivo shows a deep ruby-red hue with garnet edges. The bouquet is rich and complex, revealing ripe black cherry, plum, and blackberry, intertwined with notes of sweet spice, vanilla, cocoa, and a touch of balsamic freshness. Subtle hints of tobacco and dried Mediterranean herbs add further intrigue.

On the palate, the wine is full-bodied and beautifully structured, with concentrated dark fruit flavours, silky yet firm tannins, and a well-integrated warmth. Layers of black fruit, dark chocolate, liquorice, and gentle oak spice unfold gracefully, leading to a long, elegant, and persistent finish that balances power with finesse.

Food Pairing

Red Meat & Game: A superb match for grilled ribeye, slow-roasted lamb, or venison, where the wine’s structure and richness shine.

Italian & Mediterranean Cuisine: Excellent with rich pasta dishes, beef ragù, osso buco, or aubergine parmigiana.

Slow-Cooked & Braised Dishes: Ideal alongside short ribs, beef cheeks, or hearty stews, enhancing depth and savoury complexity.

Vegetarian Fare: Pairs well with mushroom-based dishes, roasted root vegetables, or lentil and bean stews.

Cheese Pairings: Best enjoyed with aged cheeses such as Parmigiano Reggiano, Pecorino, or mature hard cheeses.

Powerful, Refined & Authentically Puglian

Schola Sarmenti Critèra Primitivo is a serious and expressive southern Italian red, combining intensity, elegance, and depth. Perfect for special meals or relaxed evenings alike, it delivers a rich yet balanced expression of Primitivo rooted firmly in the traditions and terroir of Puglia.