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 vineyard is located in Salento, Puglia, where the vines are grown at an altitude of approximately 100 metres above sea level. The relatively high temperatures over the summer encourage the berries to ripen evenly. The soil is predominantly clay with some rocks, which help drainage. The vines are old, gnarly bush vines which are over 50 years old and are planted at a density of 4,500 vines per hectare. The Primitivo is grown in the highly reputed area of Manduria, locally regarded as the best in Puglia. The harvest takes place in September, when the grapes are slightly overripe.

WINEMAKING:
The grapes were destemmed, crushed and underwent cold pre-fermentation maceration. Fermentation took place with indigenous yeasts before being gently pressed. Malolactic fermentation took place in stainless steel tanks, which helped to soften the resulting wine, before it was aged for 12 months in fine French oak barrels.

TASTING NOTE:
A generous, fleshy wine with dark berried fruit layered with chocolate and hints of spice. Smooth with great purity of fruit through to a long, sustained finish. Quite delicious.

GRAPES:
Negroamaro 50%, Primitivo 50%.

AWARD:
• Silver, Decanter World Wine Awards, 2016
• Silver Outstanding, International Wine & Spirit Competition, 2016
• Silver, Sommelier Wine Awards, 2017
• Top 100, Wine Merchant, 2019