The Cantele 2016 Primitivo offers a pure and faithful interpretation of this hearty red grape from the deep south of Italy. The wine opens to a dark and seriously concentrated appearance with plump black fruit aromas of prune, plum and dried blackberry. There is a naturally spicy and smoky quality as well, with light hints of mesquite and mahogany. For a Salento wine, the alcohol is low at 13.5%, and this goes a long away to underline the natural and carefree personality you get here. Like any other easy-treading, smoky Zinfandel, this Southern belle would do well with a rack of baby back pork ribs—Memphis style, y'all. Some 140,000 bottles were made.

From the Salento, with red soils and scorching sunshine in the southern tip of Puglia, the 2015 Primitivo is a rich and luscious wine with sweet cherries and blackberries that run through the wine's fleshy and almost sweet mouthfeel. Prune, raisin and cooked cherry all rise to the top. This is Puglia Primitivo in all its glory and power. Some 250,000 bottles were made.

The 2014 Primitivo shows tight lines and a solid consistency. The bouquet opens to dark fruit tones of dried blackberry and Morello cherry with light nuances of leather and tobacco at the back. The wine delivers good depth and a chewy, ripe style that is very indicative of the greater school of Puglia wines.

The 2012 Primitivo offers a steady and simple interpretation of one of Puglia's most important red grapes. The wine flows over the palate with smooth intensity, imparting plenty of fresh fruit, licorice and roasted nut along the way. Drying mineral notes give the wine a better sense of focus and balance. All said and done, this is an easy-going red wine to pair with meatloaf or pork chops. It ages in neutral oak for up to eight months.

Cantele’s 2008 Primitivo offers up dark red fruit, licorice, leather and dark plums. There isn’t a ton of varietal character, but at this price point that is splitting hairs, as the wine’s balance is excellent. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2012. Importer: Vias Imports, New York, NY; tel. (212) 629-0200