Chakra Rosso Primitivo

The vineyards of Giovanni Aiello’s Chakra Rosso are located at an altitude of 300 to 400 meters above sea level, between Putignano and Castellana Grotte, an area known for its priceless beauty. Here the karst phenomenon has led to an extraordinary underground environment. The soil is not very deep, rich in clay and limestone and contains many fossils. Not far from the vineyards, the limestone rock emerges, along with the plant roots that nestle in the karst crevices.

Most of the vines are in Gioia del Colle, a small town about 30 km from Bari – slightly elevated with mineral soils that are always well ventilated.

Harvest from Chakra vineyards begins in mid-September, reaching phenolic ripeness. Grapes are harvested entirely by hand and placed in crates.

Giovanni Aiello’s Chakra Rosso is characterized by its vinification technique; part of the grape bunches are selected and placed entirely in open wooden vats. This technique, called “Vendanges entières,” has been used for centuries by the most prestigious domaines of the Côte d’Or in Burgundy, but is innovative in the Murgia. It enhances and elevates the elegance of this wine, which is finer in body and richer in bouquet. Malolactic fermentation then takes place in barriques and tonneaux. The wine rests on fine lees until the following spring. After bottling, the wine rests for another 6 months before being released to the market.

The Chakra Rosso has the typical notes of ripe cherries, velvety plum jam and slight spicy notes in the finish. The well-integrated acids give the wine a very velvety structure and lively freshness. The elegance of Giovanni Aiello’s Chakra Rosso Primitivo is admirable.

Serving temperature: 16-18°C