{"title":"Pasqua Desire \u0026 Lush Zin","description":null,"products":[{"product_id":"pasqua-desire-lush-zin-primitivo","title":"Pasqua Desire \u0026 Lush Zin Primitivo","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePasqua Desire \u0026amp; Lush Zin Primitivo\u003c\/strong\u003e is a full-bodied 100% Primitivo red wine from Puglia IGT, Italy, bottled at 13.5% ABV in a standard 750ml format. The 2021 vintage earned a Gold medal at the Concours Mondial de Bruxelles, and the wine has scored 91 points from Italian critic Luca Maroni — strong recognition for a southern Italian red at this level.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQuick Facts:\u003c\/strong\u003e ABV: 13.5%  |  Origin: Puglia IGT, Italy  |  Varietal: 100% Primitivo  |  Producer: Pasqua Vigneti e Cantine\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eProduction \u0026amp; Heritage\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003ePasqua Vigneti e Cantine is a family-owned winery based in the Veneto region of Italy, with a portfolio that extends across several Italian appellations including Puglia. For this expression, hand-harvested Primitivo grapes undergo destemming, crushing, and a low-temperature pre-fermentation maceration lasting approximately one week — a technique designed to maximize aromatic extraction and color intensity before fermentation even begins. Alcoholic fermentation proceeds at 20–24°C over 15 to 20 days with frequent pump-overs, followed by malolactic fermentation and six months of maturation in large wooden barrels. The result bridges classic southern Italian earthiness with a smoother, more fruit-forward profile that nods toward the plush style associated with California Zinfandel — unsurprising, given that Primitivo and Zinfandel are genetically identical grapes.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eTasting Notes\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAroma:\u003c\/strong\u003e The nose opens with intense, ripe plum and dark red fruit, quickly followed by layered spice notes — black pepper and cinnamon — before settling into deeper tones of coffee, cocoa, and vanilla. There is a warmth to the aromatics that signals the sun-soaked Puglian terroir.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTaste:\u003c\/strong\u003e On entry, concentrated flavors of cherry and plum coat the palate with immediate richness. The mid-palate broadens with dark forest berries, vanilla spice, and a subtle coffee-like bitterness that adds dimension. The body is full and round, with soft, velvety tannins and a well-integrated residual sweetness (approximately 12 g\/L) that keeps the wine approachable without veering into cloying territory.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFinish:\u003c\/strong\u003e The finish is juicy and fruit-driven, with lingering notes of cocoa, vanilla, and a whisper of black pepper. It carries moderate length and a smooth, warming quality that invites the next sip.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eHow to Drink Desire \u0026amp; Lush Zin\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eServe slightly below room temperature — around 16–18°C — to keep the fruit fresh and the tannins in balance. This wine works well on its own but truly shines alongside food. For a red wine cocktail, try it in a \u003cstrong\u003eKalimotxo\u003c\/strong\u003e (equal parts red wine and cola over ice), where its dark berry sweetness and spice play perfectly against the bitterness of cola. It also makes an excellent base for a \u003cstrong\u003eRed Wine Sangria\u003c\/strong\u003e, as the plum and coffee notes hold up against citrus and brandy. For something warming, use it in a \u003cstrong\u003eMulled Wine\u003c\/strong\u003e — the existing cinnamon and vanilla spice notes amplify beautifully with added clove and star anise.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eBest For\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWeeknight Italian dinners with pasta, sausage ragù, or wood-fired pizza\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIntroducing someone who enjoys California Zinfandel to Italian Primitivo\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBarbecue season — grilled meats, smoked ribs, or charred vegetables\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eA reliable crowd-pleasing bottle for casual gatherings or dinner parties\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat does Desire \u0026amp; Lush Zin taste like?\u003c\/strong\u003e It delivers concentrated flavors of ripe plum, cherry, and dark forest berries alongside notes of coffee, cocoa, vanilla, and black pepper. The body is full and round, with soft tannins and a juicy, fruit-forward finish.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow does Desire \u0026amp; Lush Zin compare to California Zinfandel?\u003c\/strong\u003e Primitivo and Zinfandel are genetically identical grapes (both clones of the Croatian Crljenak\/Tribidrag), so flavor parallels are strong — both offer dark fruit and spice. However, Desire \u0026amp; Lush Zin carries a more earthy, Old World character with subtle cocoa and coffee undertones, whereas many California Zinfandels tend toward bolder, jammier fruit and higher alcohol.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Desire \u0026amp; Lush Zin good for beginners?\u003c\/strong\u003e Yes — its soft tannins, ripe fruit sweetness, and smooth finish make it one of the more approachable southern Italian reds, even for those new to Primitivo or Italian wine in general.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhere is Desire \u0026amp; Lush Zin made?\u003c\/strong\u003e The wine is produced by Pasqua Vigneti e Cantine using 100% Primitivo grapes grown in Puglia, the sun-drenched \"heel\" of Italy's boot, and carries the Puglia IGT designation.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat foods pair well with Desire \u0026amp; Lush Zin?\u003c\/strong\u003e Grilled lamb chops benefit from the wine's peppery spice and fruit density. Orecchiette with sausage ragù mirrors the earthy Puglian origin of the wine. Aged pecorino or Parmigiano-Reggiano complement the vanilla and cocoa notes. Slow-smoked barbecue ribs match the wine's full body and soft tannins. Dark chocolate desserts echo the coffee and cocoa undertones on the finish.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat sizes does Desire \u0026amp; Lush Zin come in?\u003c\/strong\u003e The standard release is a 750ml bottle, which is the most widely available format.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Desire \u0026amp; Lush Zin worth the price?\u003c\/strong\u003e Desire \u0026amp; Lush Zin positions as a value-tier to mid-range Primitivo, punching above its weight with gold medals from both the Concours Mondial de Bruxelles and the Asia Wine Trophy, plus a 91-point score from Luca Maroni — strong credentials that make it a smart buy within the southern Italian red category.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eWhy Desire \u0026amp; Lush Zin?\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eWhat separates this Primitivo from the crowd is the extended pre-fermentation cold maceration, a step that extracts deeper color and more layered aromatics before fermentation even starts. The six-month rest in large wooden barrels adds structure and soft vanilla tones without overwhelming the fruit — a balance many entry-level Puglian reds miss. Gold medals at both the Concours Mondial de Bruxelles and the Asia Wine Trophy validate that this is a consistently well-made wine across multiple vintages. For anyone who enjoys the bold, fruity appeal of Zinfandel but wants to explore its Italian genetic twin in a more terroir-driven, food-friendly style, Desire \u0026amp; Lush Zin delivers exactly that.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Pasqua Desire \u0026 Lush Zin","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44837922799785,"sku":"34726","price":17.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0680\/1024\/6313\/files\/Pasqua-Desire-Lush-Zin-Primitivo__21017.jpg?v=1730500623"}],"url":"https:\/\/theliquorbarn.com\/collections\/pasqua-desire-lush-zin.oembed","provider":"The Liquor Barn","version":"1.0","type":"link"}