Langmeil Massimo Montepulciano Primitivo 2019

Langmeil have built their reputation on traditional varieties from the Barossa region; shiraz, grenache, cabernet sauvignon and riesling. The recent release of Massimo Montepulciano Primitivo marks their move into Italian varieties. These hardy, heat tolerant grapes are a logical choice for a sustainability focussed, family-owned winery with an eye on the future. There’s an Italian family connection too. Massimo was the great grandfather of Paul and James Lindner, the current custodians of this historic winery. 

The names of the grape varieties are a bit of a mouthful; but so is this lush, juicy wine. My first thought was that it smells like Huamei –  Chinese salted plums dusted with liquorice powder. It’s exotically spicy and also quite savoury, like eating kalamata olives by the handful at a summer picnic. There are lovely fresh fruit flavours too; lots of black cherry and blackberry. Drink it in the park with salumi stuffed into slabs of herby, olive oil focaccia.

Pick up this and all the wines from Langmeil here.