A rebellious wine with a deeply Puglian soul

“Anarkos” is not simply the name of this wine it is a statement.

Created by Gregory Perrucci of Azienda Agricola Felline, Anarkos was born as a response to the growing influence of large northern Italian companies entering Puglia and reshaping its wines to follow international fashions.

Perrucci wanted to show that Puglia’s native grapes did not need heavy oak, manufactured flavours or outside intervention to be taken seriously. His answer was Anarkos: Un Vino Contro “a wine against.”

Against conformity. Against the loss of regional identity. And firmly in favour of the traditional grapes, growers and flavours of southern Italy.

Three native grapes, one expression of Puglia

Anarkos brings together three of Puglia’s most representative red varieties:

60% Negroamaro brings dark colour, savoury character, herbs and fine tannins.

30% Primitivo contributes ripe plum, blackberry, warmth and generosity.

10% Malvasia Nera adds perfume, softness and floral notes of violet and rose.

Primitivo is genetically connected to California’s Zinfandel, so Australian drinkers who enjoy rich Shiraz, Grenache blends or Zinfandel may recognise its generous fruit. However, Negroamaro and Malvasia Nera give Anarkos a more savoury, distinctly Italian personality.

The result is ripe and full of flavour, but not heavy or excessively alcoholic a warm climate red made for food rather than simply for power.

Agricola Felline and the revival of Puglia’s native grapes

Azienda Agricola Felline is based near Manduria, in the sun-drenched heel of Italy’s boot.

The name Felline comes from an extensive archaeological site near Manduria containing the remains of the ancient settlement of Felline. It reflects the estate’s strong connection to the history and traditions of its land.

In 1997, Gregory Perrucci founded the Accademia dei Racemi, a research project created to identify, study and bring attention back to Puglia’s neglected indigenous grape varieties.

The project worked with growers across the region to revive grapes including Susumaniello, Ottavianello, Fiano Minutolo and Malvasia Nera, while also studying how Primitivo behaves in Puglia’s different red, white, black and sandy soils.

Perrucci’s research into the connection between Primitivo and Zinfandel led to him becoming the only non-American member admitted to California’s Zinfandel Advocates & Producers association. 

Organic, regional and authentic

Felline works according to an organic farming philosophy, allowing the character of Puglia’s indigenous varieties and Mediterranean landscape to remain at the centre of the wine.

Rather than creating a polished international-style red, Anarkos celebrates regional grapes that were once overlooked or used for inexpensive bulk wine.

This is a wine about preserving identity: honest Puglian fruit, traditional varieties and a direct connection between vineyard and glass. 

How is it made?

Anarkos is fermented and matured entirely in stainless steel.

There is no oak ageing, allowing the aromas and flavours of Negroamaro, Primitivo and Malvasia Nera to remain vibrant and expressive.

This is an important part of the wine’s philosophy. Instead of using new barrels to add vanilla, toast or sweetness, Felline lets the grapes speak for themselves.

Stainless-steel maturation preserves the juicy fruit, floral perfume and freshness while giving the wine a smooth, approachable texture.

What does it taste like?

Deep amaranth red with vivid purple reflections, Anarkos opens with an intense bouquet of ripe cherry, blackberry, blueberry and dark plum.

As the wine opens, floral notes of violet and rose appear alongside black pepper, Mediterranean herbs, liquorice and a gentle earthy character.

The palate is dry, full-bodied and generous, with ripe fruit, fine tannins and a smooth, velvety texture. Negroamaro brings savoury depth and structure, while Primitivo adds warmth and plush fruit. Malvasia Nera lifts the blend with perfume and softness.

The finish is persistent, balanced and distinctly southern Italian: rich enough to satisfy, yet fresh enough to invite another glass.

Is it a heavy Primitivo?

No. Although Primitivo contributes ripe fruit and warmth, it represents only 30% of the blend.

Negroamaro forms the backbone of the wine, bringing savoury character, freshness and structure. Malvasia Nera adds perfume and elegance.

Anarkos is therefore more balanced and food-friendly than many heavily extracted or sweet-fruited examples of Primitivo. It is generous without being jammy and full-bodied without relying on oak. 

At Carne & Cucina, this is exactly the kind of red I love pouring with pasta, lamb ragù and fire-cooked meats. Its ripe fruit complements rich sauces, while its savoury character and fine tannins keep the pairing balanced.

For drinkers who enjoy generous Australian reds but want to discover something more savoury, distinctive and grounded in place, Anarkos is a wonderful introduction.

It is bold without being heavy, smooth without being simple and rebellious for all the right reasons.