Wines Apulia Wines Ponte Lungo - Selenia Zinfandel - 2018

Viniou Reviews

The Ponte Lungo Cuvée Selenia Zinfandel 2018 is a striking red hailing from the sun-drenched region of Puglia in southern Italy. This wine is crafted primarily from Zinfandel, known locally as Primitivo, which is renowned for yielding rich, opulent reds with expressive fruit character. The 2018 vintage reflects a warm growing season, imparting ripe berry flavours and a plush texture. While specific details about vinification are not provided, wines from this designation often see careful temperature-controlled fermentation to retain fruit freshness, possibly with some ageing in stainless steel or neutral oak to preserve the grape’s intrinsic qualities.

Puglia, forming the heel of Italy’s ‘boot’, boasts a long-standing viticultural history dating back to the ancient Greeks and Romans. Its Mediterranean climate is marked by hot, dry summers and mild winters, while cooling sea breezes from the Adriatic and Ionian seas provide a moderating effect. The soils in the region are predominantly calcareous clay and limestone, well-suited for cultivating robust, expressive reds such as Zinfandel/Primitivo. Historically, Puglia was known for producing large quantities of wine, but recent decades have witnessed a renaissance of quality-focused producers elevating regional varietals to international acclaim.

The voluptuous, fruit-forward style of this wine makes it an inspired companion for hearty fare. Enjoy it alongside grilled lamb chops seasoned with rosemary or a classic orecchiette alle cime di rapa, a traditional Puglian dish featuring savoury turnip greens. It also pairs exquisitely with slow-braised beef ragù, mature cheeses such as pecorino, or even wood-fired pizza topped with spicy salsiccia. The lush profile complements dishes with depth and richness, while the wine’s structure stands up to robust flavours.

For optimal enjoyment, serve the Ponte Lungo Cuvée Selenia Zinfandel 2018 slightly below room temperature, ideally between 16 and 18°C. Decanting for about 30 minutes prior to serving can help the wine open up, revealing its full aromatic complexity and harmonious balance.