August 2025 2 Reds – Everyday

Castello Monaci Piluna Primitivo Salento, 

A popular and well-rated Primitivo from Salento (Puglia), Italy — a wine that shows off bold Mediterranean character with ripeness and spice typical of this southern Italian red:

 

🍷 Tasting Notes

Appearance:
Deep dark ruby red with vibrant purple hues — rich and inviting, showing good color intensity typical of ripe Primitivo from sunny Salento. 

Nose (Aroma):
Opens with broad, generous aromas of ripe red and black fruits — think black cherries, plum, and marasca jam — layered with sweet spices, peppery warmth, and a hint of vanilla and Mediterranean scrub herbs. Some expressions also show subtle notes of dried orange peel and rum-like sweetness in newer vintages. 

Palate (Taste):
Full-bodied and well-concentrated with a fleshy texture. Flavors mirror the nose — rich black fruit and berry compote, balanced by spice and lightly sweet-sour elements. The wine is soft and velvety yet structured, with integrated tannins and a warm, inviting mouthfeel. 

Finish:
Long, lingering finish with echoes of jammy fruit, spice, and a touch of liquorice or Mediterranean herbs, giving depth and persistence. 

🍇 Style Summary

• Varietal: 100% Primitivo (also genetically identical to Zinfandel) 
• Region: Salento IGT, Puglia, Italy 
• Body: Full, concentrated, and warm 
• Acidity/Tannin: Balanced acidity with smooth, integrated tannins 

🍽️ Food Pairing

Pairs beautifully with grilled or roasted red meats, rich pasta dishes, game, and aged cheeses, matching its robust fruit and spice character. 

Cicada Rouge by Chante Cigale, Vin de France 2024

DA CICADA 2016 Bylinky

FRH205 DOMAINE CHANTE CIGALE RHÔNE, FRANCE 13.5% 6 x 75cl | Cork

Grape Varieties: Grenache Noir 80%, Carignan 20%

Classification: Vegetarian, Vegan

A robust, fruit-forward red from the Southern Rhône.

Boutinot WINES

PRODUCTION

Alex Favier sources the grapes for his Vin de France Rouge from land the family owns in the Vaucluse. Grapes for this come from 2 lieu-dits in Travaillan to the west of Gigondas. These include La Marteillère with clay soil for the Grenache and L’Hers on limestone for the Carignan. The vines are 30 years old. The grapes are hand-harvested and de-stemmed. Grenache undergoes a short maceration in concrete, and the Carignan is aged in 5 year old Burgundy barrels to round out the tannins.

TASTING NOTE

Fresh, ripe red berries with a touch of forest floor on the nose. The wine features robust flavours of red and black cherries, a pinch of spice, and some smooth tannins. It is definitely punching above its modest Vin de France classification.

FOOD MATCH

Great on its own or with pasta, grilled lamb and ratatouille.