Murrina Primitivo 2013

We get a similar feeling from sipping on this wine as we do from watching an episode of Inspector Montalbano.

With sun-ripened, juicy flavours of cherries, raspberries and redcurrants, it conjures up images of hazy Italian days and, with its hint of leather and spice from its oak ageing, you feel you could almost be on the back of a Vespa with Montalbano. Happy days.

However, unlike Montalbano, there isn't a hint of cheese (although it would probably work quite well with a good slab of Taleggio).

Orion Wines was founded in 2010 by Luca Pomaro and Alessandro Michelon. Working to each of their strengths, they have combined great market awareness and a profound knowledge of winemaking. They aim to produce the most interesting ranges possible at fair prices. To do this they have taken full control of every step of the process, from the vineyards to the vinification, straight through to the packaging and marketing. To make this possible, Orion has tied strong commercial relations with a small number of growers and estates in different areas of Italy. Orion has complete control of the vineyards and works closely with their partners and their own makers to create appellations that represent the essence and typicity of that particular region, while still keeping an eye on the needs of the ever-evolving international wine aficionado.

Alessandro Michelon is a native of Italy, growing up in Trentino, Northern Italy. Alessandro’s love of winemaking developed in his younger years, helping his family in their own vineyards of Valle di Cembra. His passion for the vineyards was so strong that he decided to attend the Istituto Agrario di San Michele, a respected oenological school in Italy, from where he graduated in 1998. After high school, Alessandro gained experience in the Trentino Wineries and in 2000 he joined one of the biggest Italian companies in the industry that focused on export markets. During these years, he acquired a profound knowledge of the various regions of Italy and the differing tastes of consumers around the world. By the end of 2009 he left the company as chief winemaker and founded Orion Wines with a fellow enthusiast.

The Primitivo grapes are carefully picked by hand in late August. After de-stemming, the grapes are not crushed, which allows them to remain intact, reducing damage to the skins and optimizing colour extraction. Fermentation takes place at a controlled temperature of 28-30°C for 8-10 days. Frequent remontage and delestage are carried out in the early stages of fermentation in order to achieve soft extraction of aromas and gentle tannins. After racking, malolactic bacteria are added to induce malolactic fermentation. Approximately 25% of the wine is aged for 12 months in French and American barriques

This is a full-bodied Primitivo with an intense, ruby-red colour, a complex bouquet and juicy flavours of cherries, raspberries and redcurrants. The oak ageing adds pleasant roasted and spicy aromas. On the palate, it is full-bodied, supple and well-balance with a long finish. It would be ideal with BBQd red meats and mature cheeses.

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