Description

PRODUCER:
In 1962, nineteen vine growers from San Marzano combined their efforts to establish “Cantine San Marzano”. Over the years, the cooperative has grown significantly and now comprises over 1200 vine growers. They are now one of the most professional, forward-thinking companies in Southern Italy, with a reputation for producing great wines. Their production philosophy is simple but uncompromising; “passion” and “competence” are the bywords at the heart of their everyday activity.

VINEYARD:
The grapes come from the central area of D.O.P. “Primitivo di Manduria”, where they are grown in very old vineyards in San Marzano and Sava. They are planted at a density of 5,000 bush vines per hectare. The soil is mainly red with a fine texture and is generally calcareous with few emerging rocks. The renowned red hue of the soil is due to the presence of iron oxides. The climate is characterised by high temperatures all year round, very little rainfall and a wide diurnal temperature range, which has a positive influence on the quality of the grapes, concentrating the flavours in the berries. The harvest takes place during the second half of September.

WINEMAKING:
Only the best fruit, from the best plots, was selected to produce this wine. The grapes were hand-harvested once they had reached an advanced state of ripening. Temperature-controlled fermentation took place at 24 to 26°C and lasted for approximately 15 days. The wine went through malolactic conversion in stainless steel vats before being racked into French and American oak barrels, where it matured for 18 months.

VINTAGE:
The 2020 vintage experienced a rainy winter, which helped to restore soil water reserves. A mild spring followed with little rain through to a very hot, dry and windy summer, which reduced disease pressure in the vineyard. Good diurnal temperature differences encouraged regular ripening of the grapes, resulting in healthy, ripe fruit with balancing natural acidity. The harvest started five days earlier than the previous year.

TASTING NOTE:
Deep and complex flavours of prunes, black cherry jam, spice and tobacco deliciously weave through the full-bodied palate with its velvety texture and long, complex finish of cocoa, coffee and vanilla bean.

GRAPES:
Primitivo 100%.