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.

An iconic wine, symbol of San Marzano’s way of thinking and working. Sessantanni Primitivo di Manduria DOP is the label that has changed the perception of wines from Puglia around the world. Made from grapes growing on old vines that are at least sixty years old and are trained over the traditional Alberello system of Puglia. Genius loci, the expression and pride in our history.

Grape: Primitivo
Appellation: Primitivo di Manduria DOP
Vine training: 60 year old Alberello (bush-vines)
Vines per Ha: 5.000
Production area: Very old vineyards selected in San Marzano and Sava (TA), Salento Puglia. The climate is characterised by high temperatures all year round, very little rainfall and a wide temperature range between night and day, which has a positive influence on the quality of the grapes. This is the central area of the DOP ”Primitivo di Manduria”

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: Mid-September
Vinification: Grapes are hand-harvested in advanced status of ripening. 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
Ageing: Malolactic fermentation in stainless steel tanks and then in French and American oak barrels for 12 months

Intense ruby red colour; wide and complex bouquet, fruity with prune and cherry jam aroma, hints of tobacco. Full-bodied wine, well-balanced, soft and rich in elegant tannins; long finish with notes of cocoa, coffee and vanilla

Best served with: Savoury first courses, red meats and game
Serving temperature: 18°C

Decanter – 90 points

Wine Enthusiast – 89 points (2017 Vintage)

Primitivo from old vines produces a leathery, tobacco leaf-infused nose with dark berries that carry over onto the palate. Once there, they join with savory elements, a balsamic glazed roast with herbs and olives. Tannins kick back, as does the acid.