SASSEO Primitivo Salento IGT 2022

“Sasseo” Primitivo Salento IGT 2022 / Masseria Altemura / Apulia

Red wine from Italy

Nestled between the Ionian and Adriatic Seas, on the sun-drenched Salento peninsula, lies Masseria Altemura - a historic estate dedicated to a contemporary interpretation of Apulian winemaking tradition. Situated between the cities of Taranto and Brindisi, the property benefits from a distinctive maritime microclimate which, combined with limestone-rich soils, creates ideal conditions for cultivating the Primitivo grape.

The origins of the Masseria date back to the 4th century BC, when a watchtower was erected in the nearby village of Santa Susana. Originally conceived as a fortified farmhouse, the estate was acquired by the Zonin family in 2000 and meticulously restored to its former splendour. Today, Masseria Altemura spans approximately 300 hectares, half of which are planted with vines.

A pivotal moment in the history of Primitivo came in 1999, when DNA analysis revealed its genetic identity with the Zinfandel grape, widely known in the United States. Primitivo wines are distinguished by their naturally high sugar content and correspondingly elevated alcohol levels, which are consistently balanced by a harmonious, fruit-driven structure.

The Sasseo Primitivo Salento IGT 2022 exemplifies this style with finesse. The grapes are sourced from 40 hectares of carefully selected vineyards and harvested during the first week of September - deliberately timed to include a portion of overripe berries, enhancing the wine’s aromatic intensity and warmth. After gentle destemming and pressing, fermentation takes place in stainless steel tanks at a controlled temperature of 26 °C. The wine is then matured for twelve months in large Slavonian oak casks, followed by a further six months of refinement in bottle, resulting in depth, balance and structural elegance.

In the glass, Sasseo reveals a deep ruby hue with violet reflections. The bouquet is generous and layered, offering notes of ripe plum and red fruit preserve, underpinned by delicate hints of vanilla and a whisper of cinnamon. On the palate, it presents a full-bodied, warm character with a velvety texture. The fruit is concentrated and mature, supported by dark berries and subtle dried fruits. Soft, well-integrated tannins provide structure without dominance, while a gentle acidity enhances the wine’s Southern Italian richness. The finish is long and complex, with spicy undertones and a lingering echo of ripe fruit.

Its name - “Sasseo” - pays homage to the stony, limestone-rich soils (“sasso”) of Salento, which lend the wine its mineral depth. Served at an ideal temperature of 16 to 18 °C, this Primitivo pairs beautifully with robust dishes: grilled or roasted beef, lamb, pork and game are elevated by its structure and fruitiness. It also complements pasta with rich sauces such as Bolognese or Amatriciana, savoury pizza toppings, and mature cheeses like Pecorino, Parmesan or Gorgonzola. In slow-cooked dishes such as braised beef or hearty stews, Sasseo underscores the rustic elegance of the flavours.

With an ageing potential of five to seven years, this wine offers the opportunity to evolve gracefully over time - the fruit becomes more integrated, the spice gains complexity, and the texture softens further. For lovers of mature Primitivo styles, cool and dark cellaring is recommended.

General properties

• Vintage: 2022
• Ageing: Dry
• Country: Italy
• Region: Apulia (Puglia)
• Volume: 0,75 litres

Detailed properties

• Producer and bottler: Masseria Altemura - Contrada Palombara sp 69 - 72028 Torre Santa Susanna (Brindisi) - Italia - +39 0831 740485
• Quality Designation: Indicazione Geografica Tipica (IGT)
• Grape: 100% Primitivo from the province of Brindisi.
• Vinification and aging: The Sasseo Primitivo is crafted from approximately 40 hectares of meticulously selected vineyards belonging to Masseria Altemura, where limestone-rich soils and a Mediterranean microclimate provide ideal conditions for this expressive grape variety. Harvesting takes place during the first week of September, with a deliberate inclusion of slightly overripe grapes to enhance the wine’s aromatic richness and warmth. Following gentle destemming and careful pressing, the must undergoes fermentation in stainless steel tanks at a controlled temperature of 26 °C to preserve freshness and fruit purity. The wine is then matured for twelve months in large Slavonian oak casks, followed by a further six months of refinement in bottle—an ageing process that ensures depth, structure and harmonious balance.
• Scent: Generous and multi-layered, the bouquet unfolds with intense notes of ripe plum and delicately simmered red fruit preserve. This opulent fruit character is elegantly complemented by a seductive hint of sweet spices—most notably vanilla and a subtle touch of cinnamon—which lend the aromatic profile a warm, almost balsamic depth.
• Taste: Full-bodied and warmly textured, this wine caresses the palate with its velvety smoothness. The fruit profile is notably ripe and concentrated, revealing layered aromas of dark berries and delicate dried fruits. Soft, well-integrated tannins lend structure without overpowering, while a gentle acidity enhances the wine’s hallmark Southern Italian richness and warmth. The finish is long and resonant, marked by subtle spice and a lingering echo of mature fruit, adding depth and refined elegance to the overall impression.
• Colour: A deep, dark ruby red with subtle violet highlights.
• Alcohol content: 14,5 % Vol.
• Residual sugar: 7,7 g/l
• Acidity: 5,7 g/l
• Closure type: Natural cork.
• Serving suggestion: This wine reveals its aromatic depth most impressively when paired with hearty dishes. Grilled or roasted beef, lamb, pork and game benefit from its warm, full-bodied structure, which complements the richness of the meat with finesse. Pasta with robust sauces such as Bolognese or Amatriciana is elevated by the wine’s ripe fruit and subtle spice, creating a harmonious interplay of flavours. It also pairs beautifully with pizzas topped with savoury ingredients like salami, spicy peppers or smoked bacon, offering a well-balanced counterpoint to their intensity. Mature cheeses such as Pecorino, Parmesan or Gorgonzola gain additional nuance through the wine’s velvety texture and aromatic complexity. In slow-cooked dishes like braised beef or hearty stews, this Primitivo unfolds its full depth and underscores the rustic elegance of traditional cuisine.
• Recommended serving temperature: Between 16 and 18°C.
• Storage potential: The Sasseo Primitivo Salento IGT 2022 from Masseria Altemura offers a sound ageing potential of approximately five to seven years from vintage. Its composition of ripe fruit, well-integrated tannins and moderate maturation in Slavonian oak (12 months in barrel, followed by 6 months in bottle) provides sufficient structure and depth to allow for a harmonious evolution over time. As the wine matures, the fruit profile becomes more integrated, the spicy notes may gain in complexity, and the texture develops further smoothness. For enthusiasts of aged Primitivo styles, storage in a consistently cool and dark environment is recommended.
• Ingredients: Grapes; Stabilising agents: Contains Citric acid and/or Potassium polyaspartate and/or Gum arabic; Preservatives: Sulphites.
• Allergen: Contains sulphites.
• EAN (bottle): 8002235001014
• Scope of supply: 1 disposable bottle of wine 0.75 litres.

Grape variety

PRIMITIVO

The Primitivo grape, a red variety, is primarily found in the southern Italian region of Apulia. This region, characterized by its warm Mediterranean climate, provides an ideal environment for the Primitivo grape to thrive. The grape's origins likely trace back to the Dalmatian region along the eastern Adriatic coast. In the 18th century, the Primitivo grape made its way to Apulia, particularly around the town of Manduria, where it found a suitable home. The name "Primitivo" is thought to derive from the grape's early ripening, as "primo" means "first" in Italian. DNA analyses in the 1990s revealed a genetic match between Primitivo and Zinfandel, bringing international attention to the Primitivo grape. This discovery contributed to the growing popularity of Primitivo wines from Apulia beyond Italy's borders. Over the past few decades, the cultivation of Primitivo in Apulia has advanced, with winemakers increasingly focused on producing high-quality wines. Modern cultivation techniques, meticulous winemaking, and the use of barriques for aging have all contributed to the improvement in wine quality. The leaves of the Primitivo plant are large, hand-shaped, and typically a medium to dark green. Depending on the sub-variety, the shape of the leaves can vary, but they are generally five-lobed. The grape clusters are conical to cylindrical, with closely packed, medium to large berries that are dark blue to violet in colour. These berries are round, medium to large in size, and have a thick skin. The flesh is juicy and has a high sugar content, which can result in robust wines. Primitivo vines tend to grow vigorously and develop substantial foliage. They adapt well to various soils and climatic conditions. The relatively early ripening of the Primitivo grape, which gives it its name, allows for an early harvest. The historical development of the Primitivo grape is marked by migration, its connection with Zinfandel, and its gradual recognition as a significant and distinct variety. Today, Primitivo is celebrated both in Italy and internationally as a distinguished grape for producing powerful and characterful red wines.

Bulk discount:

• 3 x SASSEO Primitivo Salento IGT 2022
• 6 x SASSEO Primitivo Salento IGT 2022