PRIMIUS Primitivo di Manduria DOP 2021 (3 bottles)

"Primius" Primitivo di Manduria DOP 2021 / San Donaci / Puglia

Container of 3 bottles

Red wine from Italy

The “Primius” Primitivo di Manduria DOP 2021 from Cantina San Donaci is a characterful red wine that captures the very essence of southern Italy. Its origins lie in the historic wine-growing region of Manduria, nestled between the cities of Taranto and Gallipoli. Here, Primitivo grapes thrive on classic red soils enriched with calcareous clay — a terroir that, combined with the Mediterranean climate, offers ideal conditions for viticulture.

The vines, aged between 20 and 30 years, are trained using the traditional Apulian bush vine system with spur cordon pruning. With a planting density of 4,000 to 5,000 vines per hectare, yields reach 90 to 100 quintals, harvested selectively in the early morning hours of the first week of September. Fermentation takes place in temperature-controlled stainless-steel tanks, followed by six months of maturation in seasoned French barriques. The wine is then refined for a further six months in bottle.

In the glass, “Primius” reveals a deep ruby hue with garnet reflections. The bouquet is intense and layered: ripe red fruits such as raspberries, blackberries and plums mingle with notes of candied fruit, black cherries and dried figs. Spicy hints of roasted almonds, cocoa, cinnamon and cloves lend the nose added depth and elegance. On the palate, the wine is dry, full-bodied and velvety. The tannins are soft and polished, framed by a graceful structure. A subtle fruit sweetness harmonises with spicy undertones, and the finish is long, with a gentle touch of vanilla.

Served at 16 to 18 °C and ideally uncorked an hour before enjoyment, “Primius” unfolds its full aromatic potential. It pairs beautifully with pasta in robust sauces such as ragù or arrabbiata, grilled beef, lamb, game and slow-cooked dishes. Roasted vegetables — aubergines, peppers and courgettes — as well as hard cheeses like Pecorino or Parmesan complement it superbly. For those with a sweet tooth, it also makes a compelling companion to dark chocolate.

With a cellaring potential of five to seven years, this Primitivo di Manduria gains further depth and aromatic complexity over time. A wine that grows in character with each passing year, bearing the hallmark of a winery rooted in tradition yet forward-looking in spirit — offered here as a set of three 0.75-litre bottles, perfect for sharing or savouring across special occasions.

General properties

• Vintage: 2021
• Ageing: Dry
• Country: Italy
• Region: Apulia
• Volume: 2.25 litres

Detailed properties

• Producer and bottler: Cantina San Donaci - Via Mesagne 62 - 72025 San Donaci (Brindisi) - Italia - +39 0831 681005
• Quality Designation: Denominazione d’Origine Protetta (DOP) Manduria.
• Grape variety: 100% Primitivo
• Origin: From the region of Manduria, a historic wine-growing area in southern Apulia, situated between the towns of Taranto and Gallipoli.
• Vinification: Harvest in the first decade of September. Mash fermentation in stainless steel. Subsequent aging in barriques for six months and a further six months of rest in the bottle.
  
• Scent: Aromas of ripe red fruits such as raspberries, blackberries and plums are complemented by notes of candied fruit, black cherries and dried figs. Subtle spicy undertones of roasted almonds, cocoa, cinnamon and cloves lend the bouquet added depth and elegance.
• Taste: On the palate, the wine reveals a dry, full-bodied and velvety character. Its tannins are soft and finely polished, seamlessly integrated into an elegant structure. A subtle fruit sweetness harmonises with spicy undertones, while the long, pleasing finish is gently lifted by a delicate hint of vanilla.
• Colour: Ruby red with garnet red hues.
  
• Alcohol content: 14.0 % Vol.
• Acidity: 6.15 g/l
• Residual sugar: 11.1 g/l
• Closure type: Natural cork.
• Serving suggestion: This wine pairs beautifully with hearty dishes such as braised beef, lamb ragout or game. It also complements aged hard cheeses and Mediterranean cuisine with robust, spicy flavours, bringing out the best in both the food and the wine.
• Serving temperature: Ideally served at 16 to 18°C. To allow the wine’s complex structure and depth to fully unfold, it is recommended to open the bottle approximately one hour before consumption.
• Ageing potential: The “Primius” Primitivo di Manduria DOP 2021 offers a solid ageing capacity of approximately five to seven years. Thanks to its robust structure, balanced tannin maturity and pronounced fruit profile, the wine gains additional depth and complexity over time. When stored under optimal conditions – cool, dark and with a stable temperature – it can retain its aromatic richness and elegance until at least 2028, gradually evolving in finesse.
• Allergens: Contains sulfites.
• Warning: Consumption of alcoholic beverages during pregnancy, even in small quantities, can have serious consequences for the health of the child.
• EAN (bottle): 8023909010071
• Scope of supply: 3 x 0.75 litres = 2.25 litres.

Grape variety

PRIMITIVO

The Primitivo is a red grape variety predominantly thriving in the region of Apulia in Southern Italy. Its exact origin is not definitively clarified, though it is speculated to have originated from Dalmatia and reached Apulia in the 18th century. Flourishing particularly well in the vicinity of the town of Manduria, it led to its nomenclature "Primitivo di Manduria". For a long time, the Primitivo grape remained predominantly known regionally, only gaining international attention in recent decades, partly due to the growing popularity of its wines on the global market. Already in 1974, Primitivo di Manduria received the DOC classification, ensuring the quality and geographical origin of wines from this region. The Primitivo grape belongs to the Vitis vinifera family and is characterized by dark berries. The leaves of the Primitivo plant are large, dark green, and hand-shaped, providing ample surface area for photosynthesis and grape ripening. The grapes are medium-sized, equipped with thin skins, and tend to grow densely, requiring good ventilation to avoid fungal infestation. The berries themselves are dark blue and have a high sugar content. The vines prefer warm, sunny climates and thrive particularly well in the dry, limestone-rich soils of the Apulia region. Often, the vines are attached to wire systems to support growth and protect grapes from soil moisture. In recent years, winemakers in Apulia have increasingly invested in modern cultivation methods and cellar techniques to further enhance the quality of their wines. Through meticulous vineyard work and targeted oenological processes, they strive to produce wines of high quality and character that are competitive in the global market.

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