Schola Sarmenti Cubardi Primitivo IGT Salento 2016

A Big Italian Red that kicks down the door - but wipes its feet first. From Virgin Wines

Here's a dinner-party fact for you; southern Italy's Primitivo is the same grape as California's Zinfandel. As well as a couple from Croatia too.

Whatever you choose to call it, this is a grape that like lots of heat, and you can taste it. It's a Big, Baked sort of wine with dark fruits, spice and a high alcohol content.

Think of it like sex-symbol Rudolph Valentino; born in Puglia, moved to America, became a heart-throb.

Schola Sarmenti Cubardi Primitivo IGT Salento 2016 (£14.99, Virgin Wines) baked prune, damson and raisiny fruit with peppery, vanilla spice and minty eucalyptus; old-vine density and concentration with very fine tannins, all held in check by fresh acidity.

Good.

Match with Big Game, such as hare, smoked duck or venison.