PRIMIUS Primitivo di Manduria DOP 2021 (6 bottles)

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

Container of 6 bottles

Red wine from Italy

The Cantina San Donaci, one of the oldest wineries in the agricultural sector of Salento, was founded in 1933 through the initiative of a group of twelve farmers. Their aim was to promote the economy of their products and their region. Today, the company boasts around three hundred members. The vineyards of Cantina San Donaci, situated in the Salento area, span over 320 hectares and vary in soil composition and microclimate. With its steadfastness and deep roots in the region, Cantina has made a significant contribution to the agricultural-historical development of Salice Salentino and is recognized as an authority in southern Italian wine production. Equipped with state-of-the-art oenological facilities, Cantina San Donaci focuses on continuously improving every aspect of the production chain. Agronomists' work aims to support members from selecting grape varieties to planting techniques, advising on pruning techniques, and agronomic practices. Only healthy and high-quality grapes can produce excellent wine. Therefore, Cantina San Donaci rewards its members' efforts with a thorough analysis of incoming grapes and distributes profits according to the quality of the delivered harvest.

The Primius Primitivo di Manduria DOP from Cantina San Donaci is exclusively made from Primitivo grapes thriving in the Manduria cultivation area, known for its classic red soils with a limestone clay component. In addition to these excellent soils, the region benefits from a Mediterranean climate, offering optimal conditions for viticulture. The 20 to 30-year-old vines are cultivated using the Apulian bush vine training system with spur pruning. 4000 to 5000 vines per hectare are planted, resulting in a final yield of 90 to 100 quintals per hectare.

Primius is vinified as a red wine, with the grape harvest starting in the early morning hours of the first decade of September, depending on the grapes' ripeness. The maceration and fermentation take place in temperature-controlled stainless-steel tanks. After completing the vinification process, the wine rests for six months in French oak barriques, already used for the second or third time, before further refinement for six months in the bottle.

This Primitivo di Manduria displays a deep ruby ​​colour with garnet nuances. Its bouquet unfolds an intense and complex aroma of ripe fruits with red flesh, including raspberries, blackberries, and plums, harmoniously blending with gentle, toasted wood notes and a hint of almonds. On the palate, it presents itself dry, warm, and velvety, with well-balanced tannins and a long-lasting finish.

The "Primius" Primitivo di Manduria DOP from Cantina San Donaci should ideally be opened an hour before consumption at a temperature of around 16 to 18 degrees Celsius. This southern Italian red wine then reveals its full splendour and becomes a splendid companion to pasta with spicy sauces. Its intensity and fruity notes pair perfectly with dishes like Ragù (Bolognese) or Arrabbiata. Also, with grilled beef, lamb, pot roast, roast pork, or game, the Primitivo di Manduria unfolds its full potential thanks to its rich flavours and robust tannins. Furthermore, it pairs well with roasted vegetables such as eggplants, peppers, and zucchini, as well as various hard cheeses like Pecorino or Parmesan. For those who enjoy wine with desserts, this Primitivo di Manduria also pairs well with dark chocolate as its fruity aromas complement the bitterness of the chocolate perfectly.

General properties

• Vintage: 2021
• Ageing: Dry
• Country: Italy
• Region: Apulia
• Volume: 4.5 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 Manduria, between the cities 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.
  
• Sensory characteristics: Intense and complex on the nose with red fruit and subtle woody notes. The taste is dry, warm, soft, tannic and persistent.
  
• 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 recommendation: Excellent with pasta with spicy sauces, grilled meat, roasted vegetables, and hard cheeses. It is also a good accompaniment to dark chocolate.
  
• Recommended serving temperature: At around 16 to 18°C. We recommend opening this wine about an hour before consumption.
  
• Allergens: Contains sulfites.
• Scope of supply: 6 x 0.75 litres = 4.5 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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