Primitivo made in Amarone style: 2021 Tinazzi San Giorgio Diodoro Primitivo di Manduria

The 2021 Tinazzi San Giorgio Diodoro Primitivo di Manduria is an enchanting 100% Primitivo from Cantina San Giorgio, owned by the Tinazzi family. Their winemaking roots go back to 1968 when Eugenio Tinazza and his son Figli founded a winery in Verona. Through hard work, passion, and dedication to never give up on their goals, 55 years later, the family’s winemaking venture is thriving. Their goal remains the same as it did in the 1960s: “to promote the soul of the territories safeguarding tradition while seeking innovation.”

Decanter magazine says Tinazzi is “a recognized producer of high-quality wines, sold in 55 countries worldwide.” Italian wine expert Luca Maroni gave his approval of this particular vintage in the Guide to Italy's Best Wines 2022 with a prestigious 97 point score. In its 2022 International Wine Challenge Gilbert & Gaillard awarded the 2021 Diodoro Double Gold, a high honor, and says it’s a “wine of great character.”

What has the wine pros so excited about this wine from Primitivo di Manduria DOC, one of the most compelling wine regions in Italy that’s producing internationally sought after wines with depth and complexity? We think it’s the deftness with which the Tinazzi family was able to adapt the Northern Italian winemaking style used in Amarone and apply it to the Pugliese varietal Primitivo. Diodoro has a charming nose of mature red berries perfectly intertwined with elegant and deep notes of spices, toffee, and tobacco. It’s warm and enveloping, full-bodied with a persistent, intense finale.

BHW has this wine—made by winemaking and viticulture techniques that employ sustainable practices, with an enormous focus on environmental, economic, and social responsibility (including a community garden they plant to provide those in need with fresh food)—at the Lowest Price Anywhere. This Double Gold winning wine is over 28% off. If you love Amarone, but don’t drink as much as you’d like to because of its price tag, you’re going to do a happy dance over the price of this 97 point wine that’s similar in many ways, but not in price.