Wine: Layer Cake Primitivo 2010
Country: Italy
Region: Puglia
Jason Pahlmeyer makes some of California’s most coveted (and expensive) wines. He decided he wanted make some affordable wines for everyday consumption and launched his Layer Cake project a few years ago. He named it Layer Cake as a tribute to his grandfather, who said “the wines, if properly made, are like a great layer cake, fruit, mocha, chocolate, and hints of spice – and rich, always rich.” Jason produces five different varietals from four different countries under this label. DNA analysis shows Primitivo is genetically identical to Zinfandel. At last California’s beloved Zinfandel has heritage. I love this wine – it is soft and supple but still has the black cherry fruit and spicy kick you expect from a Zin.