San Marzano is a small town in the centre of the Primitivo di Manduria DOP, a strip of land between the seas that wash over the Puglia region. It was here that 19 winegrowers founded Cantine San Marzano in 1962. Long before the appellation of origin was created and Primitivo di Manduria was recognised worldwide, they were chasing a dream.

In 1996, The commitment and dedication of the members allowed the purchase of a modern bottling plant. The first bottles came out of the cellar, triggering the transition from commodity to brand. From bulk economy to a direct relationship with the end consumer.

Since then, the company has been dedicate to the expression of a thousand-year relationship between their people and the local grape cultivars, such as Primitivo or Negroamaro – and changing the perception of Puglian wines throughout the world in its best expressions.

Three vineyards marked with a letter on wood so as to identify them. “F” as in Feudi di San Marzano, a name that is integral to our history. Negroamaro is steeped in history, and in this expression, it becomes particularly velvety and elegant, fleshy and prone to ageing.

Grape: Negroamaro
Appellation: Salento IGP
Vine training: Old Alberello (bush-vines)
Vines per ha: 4.500
Production area: Contrada di Monte la Conca, between San Marzano and Francavilla Fontana (BR), Salento, Puglia. The climate is characterised by high temperatures all year round, with very little rainfall and a wide temperature range between night and day, which has a positive influence on the quality of the grapes
Soil: Loam, finely textured and rich in iron oxides that give the topsoil the distinctive red hue. Calcareous subsoil (limestone) with few emerging rocks
Harvest: Last week of September
Vinification: Hand-harvest of slightly overripe grapes. Destemming and crushing followed by cold soak maceration at 8°C for about 24-48 hours. Thermo-controlled maceration and alcoholic fermentation
for about 10 days with autochthonous yeasts at 24-26°C. Final drawing off with soft pressing machines
Ageing: Malolactic fermentation in stainless steel tanks and then in French and Caucasian oak barrels for 12 months

Very deep purple red; wide and complex to the nose, with notes of spices, soft fruit and cherry jam. A full-bodied wine, soft and balanced, rich in fine tannins, with a pleasant long lasting finish

Best served with: Savoury first courses, red meats, game and aged cheese.

Serving temperature: 18°C

Wine Enthusiast – 89 points

Deep red, nearly opaque in the glass, this Negroamaro from the San Marzano cooperative opens with tree bark and blackberries on the nose, with more savory, outdoorsy elements emerging as its opens up. The candied figs, soil and dark chocolate on the palate are checked against tannins that still have their grip and can hold their own against the plush mouthfeel.