Primitivo di Manduria DOC

Puglia is a region rich in wine treasures, among which stands out the Primitivo di Manduria DOC, one of the oldest Controlled Designations of Origin in southern Italy. This wine owes its name to the early ripening of its grapes, which allows the harvest to take place as early as August. Its origin dates back to ancient times, and some scholars hypothesize that it was imported to Italy by the Illyrians from Croatia.

Although there are similarities with the "Zinfandel" cultivated in California and Australia, a definitive conclusion has not yet been reached in this regard. However, some Primitivo producers have paid homage to the Californian grape variety with their "Zinfadel Sinfarosa", a version of the great character of Primitivo di Manduria wine.

Primitivo di Manduria: A Symbol of Puglia Southern Italy

Wine Primitivo di Manduria reaches its highest expression in the areas of Manduria and Gioia del Colle, thanks to the clayey soils, climate, and proximity to the sea, which give the wine mineral notes and a complex structure. Over time, winegrowers have refined the cultivation and production of Primitivo, making this wine appreciated nationally and internationally. Therefore, Puglia is not only famous for the sea, oil, and cuisine but also for its excellent Primitivo Puglia wine.

The wind is also a fundamental element in the production of Primitivo di Manduria. The night sea breezes that blow over the vineyards help to keep temperatures under control during the summer months, creating an ideal day-night temperature range for maintaining the wine's bright acidity. This is particularly important for balancing the ripe flavors of fruit and jam and the high alcohol content that often characterizes wines made with this grape variety.

The production of Primitivo di Manduria also requires special attention to the territory. The vineyards are mainly located in soils of red earth, rich in iron oxide, which give the wine its characteristic reddish color. The night sea breezes are also crucial in this case, as they drastically reduce the presence of stagnant humidity, which can be particularly harmful to Primitivo vines.

Wines made with the Primitivo grape variety are typically bold and saturated with rich flavors of plum and dark berries, accompanied by a bright acidity and coating tannins. The Reserves, in particular, are aged for at least two years, with a minimum of nine months in oak, to create complex and velvety wines that can benefit from up to ten years of aging.

In addition to the famous wine Primitivo wines, Puglia is the home of other variants of this precious wine, including the Primitivo di Manduria Dolce Naturale (naturally sweet), the first Wine of Puglia to obtain the DOCG denomination, whose production involves drying the fruits on the vine; the Primitivo di Manduria Riserva DOC, which requires aging for at least 24 months, of which at least 9 in wooden barrels; and finally, the Primitivo di Manduria Liquoroso secco and dolce naturale, suitable for being tasted as meditation and dessert wines.

The production regulations of Primitivo di Manduria red wine require the use of the Primitivo grape variety in a minimum proportion of 85%, accompanied by other non-aromatic Italian red grape varieties suitable for cultivation in the area, in a percentage not exceeding 15%.

The production areas of wine Primitivo di Manduria DOC extend along the Ionian arc and the Salento peninsula, in the municipalities of Manduria, Carosino, Monteparano, Leporano, Pulsano, Faggiano, Roccaforzata, San Giorgio Jonico, San Marzano di San Giuseppe, Fragagnano, Lizzano, Sava, Torricella, Maruggio, Avetrana, and in the hamlet of Talsano, in the province of Taranto, and the municipalities of Erchie, Oria, and Torre S. Susanna, in the province of Brindisi.

The cultivation of the Primitivo grape variety follows the Apulian "Alberello" system, which allows for high-quality production in the clayey soils of the area, subject to drought due to the dry climate.

Primitivo Puglia wine presents itself with a full-bodied intense ruby red color, tending towards garnet with aging. On the nose, one can perceive aromas of dark fruits, cherry jam, and spices with a note of licorice, while on the palate, it is dry, soft, structured, and of good persistence. Despite its high alcohol content, Primitivo di Manduria DOC is very pleasant to drink.

Primitivo di Manduria Wine: A Guide to the Best Bottles

Primitivo di Manduria wine is a red wine produced in the Apulia region of southern Italy. It is made from the Primitivo grape, which thrives in the hot, dry climate of the region. This wine has gained international recognition in recent years and is considered one of Italy's finest red wines.

The 60 Sessantanni Primitivo di Manduria is one of the finest wines produced by Cantine San Marzano. It is a red wine made from the Primitivo grape, grown on trees at least sixty years old and produced in the area of Valle del Sessantanni, which covers about 40 hectares between San Marzano and Sava (TA) and is the classic production area of the Primitivo di Manduria DOP.

The climatic characteristics of this area, with rather high thermal values, low annual rainfall, and strong temperature variations, positively influence the quality of the grapes. The soil consists of residual red soil with a fine texture and a limestone substrate, with rocky outcrops that give the wine its intense red color.

The harvest takes place in mid-September, with a manual collection of slightly overripe grapes. This is followed by destemming and crushing, and pre-fermentation maceration at 8°C for 24-48 hours. Controlled temperature maceration and alcoholic fermentation are carried out with selected yeasts for about 10 days at 24-26°C, with final pressing using soft presses. The wine is then aged with malolactic fermentation in steel and subsequent aging in French and American Oak Barriques for 12 months.

The 60 Sessantanni Primitivo di Manduria have a very deep and elegant ruby red color, with a broad and complex aroma that is fruity with notes of plums and cherry jam, enriched by a slight spiciness and notes of tobacco. The wine is full-bodied, soft, and rich in noble tannins, with a finish that gives notes of cocoa, coffee, and vanilla.

This wine is recommended to be paired with hearty pasta dishes, red meats, and games. The ideal serving temperature is 18°C.

The Giunonico Paololeo is a perfect example of Primitivo di Manduria. This wine is made from Primitivo grapes grown in an area with sandy soil and a favorable climate, characterized by long days of sun and significant temperature changes at night. Thanks to these conditions, the grapes mature exceptionally, giving life to a soft and structured wine that encapsulates the ancient history of the Primitivo di Manduria DOC.

The "Riserva" edition of this wine, produced in the rural area of Sava, province of Taranto, boasts a maturation of at least 24 months, including 20 months in large oak barrels before being released on the market. The harvest is carried out manually in the early morning hours, while the vinification involves destemming and crushing with maceration for 12-15 days in contact with the skins.

The wine then matures for 20 months in oak barrels, 4 months in steel, and 3 months in the bottle, reaching an alcohol content of 14.5°. The Giunonico of Cantine PaoloLeo has a ruby red color with elegant garnet reflections and offers olfactory perceptions of blackberries and sour cherries in spirit, accompanied by hints of cocoa, vanilla, almonds, and carob.

On the palate, it shows an impetuous elegance, with velvety tannins and a freshness that becomes structural, culminating in a long-lasting finish of sweet spices. It is recommended to serve it at a temperature of 18°C in large glasses to enhance its maximum olfactory expression, accompanied by lamb stews and spiced roast beef, and also vegetable dishes.

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