Primo Estate `Merlesco` Merlot 2019 (12 x 750mL), McLaren Vale, SA.

The Primo Estate story is an Australian journey with an Italian twist. The current range of Primo and JOSEPH wines and extra virgin olive oils is a reflection of this rich heritage.

James Halliday in his 'Wine Atlas of Australia' declares, the Primo Estate approach "is the sort of ingenuity, of daring, which lies outside the imagination of the Old World winemakers and which stands Australia in such good stead."

Robert Parker agrees, adding that "I enjoy Primo Estate's offerings as they are innovative, singular, flavourful, complex wines. These creatively made efforts must be admired for their individuality as much as their bold flavours and personality"

The story begins in 1953 when Primo Grilli arrived in Australia from the Le Marche region of Italy with a vision of growing grapes in this sun soaked new land. Recognising the grape growing potential of South Australia, with warm summers and cooling maritime influences similar to his homeland of Le Marche, Primo planted the family's first vineyard in 1973, just north of Adelaide around a small township called Virginia.

Primo's eldest son, Joseph, studied Oenology at South Australia's legendary Roseworthy College. Joe graduated Dux of his class in 1979 and a new winery was built in Virginia. From his very first vintage as winemaker in 1979, aged just 20, Joseph Grilli sought to create revolutionary wines.