2021 Gianfranco Fino SE

The 2021 Gianfranco Fino Sé is a truly standout Primitivo from Manduria, crafted from a tiny 5-hectare vineyard where yields are drastically reduced to an average of just 400 grams of grapes per vine. This extreme selection results in a concentrated, yet remarkably vibrant red that showcases the full potential of Primitivo in Salento. Consistently rated among Italy’s finest wines, Sé has been crowned the number one Italian wine by Gambero Rosso’s authoritative Vini d’Italia guide, earning the coveted Tre Bicchieri (three glasses) for its unwavering quality and character.

Tasting Notes
In the glass, the 2021 Sé shines a lively, deep ruby red with excellent clarity and a youthful, almost electric intensity at the rim. The nose opens with a generous burst of ripe red and black fruits—raspberries, cherries and blackcurrants—layered with Mediterranean herbs such as rosemary and thyme, and rounded out by subtle notes of leather, sweet spice and dark chocolate from its time in oak. On the palate, Sé is surprisingly fresh and poised for such a concentrated Primitivo. Medium to full-bodied, it offers juicy, mouth-filling fruit supported by well-integrated acidity that keeps the wine lifted and precise rather than heavy. Fine, ripe tannins provide structure without harshness, while the herbal and cocoa nuances reappear on the long, savoury finish. Already highly enjoyable in its youth, this vintage has the balance and depth to age gracefully for many years, gaining complexity and softness with 8–12+ years of careful cellaring.

Production
Sé is produced from 100% Primitivo grown in the Manduria area of Salento, where limestone- and clay-rich soils give natural concentration and aromatic intensity to the grapes. The vines are trained in the traditional Apulian Alberello (bush vine) system—locally called “hare’s ears”—which naturally limits yields and promotes excellent ripening. Harvest takes place by hand at the end of August, with meticulous selection of bunches in the vineyard. After gentle pressing, the must undergoes a long maceration of two to three weeks in large stainless-steel tanks, with careful temperature control to optimise colour, aroma and flavour extraction while preserving freshness. The wine is then aged for around nine months in oak barrels before being bottled without fining or cold stabilisation to maintain its authenticity and texture. It rests for a further six months in bottle prior to release, allowing the components to harmonise.

Food & Serving
This is a superb food wine, ideal for richly flavoured, savoury dishes. Pair the 2021 Sé with a juicy rib-eye steak, slow-braised lamb shoulder, rabbit stews, or other aromatic meat dishes featuring herbs like rosemary, thyme and sage. It also works beautifully alongside hearty ragùs, grilled meats and aged semi-hard cheeses. Serve at 16–18°C (60–64°F) for optimal expression; decanting for 1–2 hours before serving will help the aromas open and soften the tannins, especially in its youth.

Producer
Gianfranco Fino has, in a remarkably short time, become one of the reference names for Primitivo in Apulia, transforming old-vine parcels into some of Italy’s most acclaimed reds. Working primarily around Manduria and Salento, he focuses on low-yielding bush vines and meticulous vineyard work to capture the essence of the local terroir in each bottle. His wines regularly receive top national and international ratings, with Sé and its sibling labels often awarded Gambero Rosso’s Tre Bicchieri and other prestigious accolades. Today, Gianfranco Fino is widely celebrated as a driving force behind the renaissance of high-quality Primitivo, helping to elevate the region’s reputation on the global fine wine stage.

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