Primitivo

Cantine Due Palme is one of the most successful co-operatives in southern Italy – founded in 1989 in Cellino San Marco, the cooperative now has over 1,200 members and around 3,000 hectares of vineyards between Brindisi, Lecce and Taranto. Under the management of Angelo Maci, Due Palme has developed into a pioneer of sustainable quality production, combining state-of-the-art cellar technology with traditional cultivation methods such as Alberello Pugliese. Don Cosimo epitomises the sun-drenched power of Salento. The Primitivo grapes ripen on calcareous, loamy soils that store sufficient water even in very hot weather. After a gentle harvest in mid-September, the grapes ferment at a controlled temperature in horizontal rotary fermenters before the wine matures for six months in French barriques and then comes to rest in the bottle.

The Cantalupi Primitivo comes from old vines in south-west Apulia and is classically vinified in stainless steel. Dark ruby in colour with a slight violet tinge. Intense aromas of ripe cherries, blackberries, some fig and delicately spicy notes of black pepper and Mediterranean herbs on the nose. Juicy on the palate with dense fruit, pleasant spice, supple tannins and a lovely flow. The acidity is present but elegantly integrated. A red wine "for every day" with plenty of character - authentic, round and pleasantly accessible. Perfect with pasta with a spicy sauce, grilled vegetables or simply on its own with good friends. SUPERIORE.DE

The name SanGaetano tells of the co-operative tradition: in 2012, Cantine Due Palme took over the small Cooperativa San Gaetano in Lizzano in order to expand the production of Primitivo di Manduria in a targeted manner. This DOC appellation has long been recognised as one of the most important red wine denominations in Apulia – appreciated both in Italy and internationally. The Primitivo vines grow on the characteristic red-coloured soils of Manduria, whose clay-limestone structure is rich in minerals and iron oxides. These soils with their rocky limestone subsoil have a decisive influence on the character of the wine. The grapes are harvested by hand in small crates at the end of August or beginning of September when they are slightly overripe to guarantee the highest quality. After temperature-controlled fermentation, the SanGaetano matures for six months in American oak barrels – an ageing process that refines the tannins and gives the wine additional complexity.

Bright ruby red with violet reflections. This Primitivo has a fresh and uncomplicated fruit flavour of ripe cherries, blackberries and a hint of Mediterranean herbs. Soft and harmonious on the palate, with a juicy texture, gentle tannins and well-integrated acidity. Maturation in stainless steel tanks preserves freshness and varietal character. "Neprica" stands for uncomplicated drinking pleasure with Apulian soul - ideal with pasta, pizza or simply in the company of good friends. SUPERIORE.DE

The name Rifugio – refuge – tells of underground hiding places where the inhabitants of Salento once protected themselves from danger. Today, an entire area near Veglie bears this name, where particularly high-quality Primitivo grapes thrive on alluvial, clayey soils with limestone deposits. The traditional Conti Zecca winery, owned by the noble family since the 16th century and one of the icons of Apulia with 320 hectares of vineyards, vinifies this single-varietal Primitivo using tried and tested methods: manual harvesting with selection at the sorting table, gentle destemming and pressing, twelve-day maceration at 25 degrees, alcoholic and malolactic fermentation in stainless steel tanks. Maturation takes place over twelve months in large oak barrels of 30 hectolitres and in resin-sealed concrete tanks, followed by a short period of maturation in the bottle.

The grapes for Ettamiano are harvested when slightly overripe, a trick that the famous winegrowers' co-operative likes to use with great flair. The variety should show as much of its origin as possible, which is why they rely on short maturation and only use French barriques that have been used several times. Intense ruby red colour with violet reflections. At first sip, Ettamiano is a Primitivo that is characterised by its pleasantness, but at no time does it pander. The glass reveals hints of ripe but lively fruit, spicy notes of cinnamon, then cocoa and liquorice. The flavour is consistent and persistent, supported by a fresh and spicy note that keeps you coming back for more. Long finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Triusco" comes from the estate's oldest plots in the classic DOC zone around Manduria. The Primitivo vines are deeply rooted in red sand/clay soil on a limestone base - ideal conditions for density and aromatic ripeness. The 2022 vintage produced low yields but very concentrated grapes. After temperature-controlled fermentation, the wine matures for six months in barriques and a further four months in stainless steel. Dark ruby red in the glass with a violet tinge. Aromas of ripe blackberry, black cherry, some plum, cinnamon and tobacco. Soft, dense and spicy on the palate, with rich fruit, supple tannins and a warm, lingering final. An expressive Primitivo with structure, elegance and depth. SUPERIORE.DE

A Zinfandel with an Italian soul: Terra Nera Primitivo comes from organically cultivated plots around Manduria, where old vines are rooted in red soil with limestone veins - a terroir that allows the Primitivo (internationally: Zinfandel) to develop to its full potential. Rich purple in the glass with a garnet-red centre. The bouquet is dark, dense and multi-layered: blackcurrant, dried figs, dark chocolate, tobacco leaf, clove and a hint of graphite. Full-bodied on the palate, but not overloaded, with ripe fruit, balanced acidity and finely polished tannins. The use of wood remains discreet, the structure firm and the finish remarkably clear. An expressive, organically produced Primitivo from 60 to 70-year-old vines that skilfully combines power and precision! SUPERIORE.DE

Sessantanni – sixty years old. That is how old the gnarled vines are, which are rooted in traditional Alberello cultivation on the iron oxide-rich terra rossa soils of San Marzano and Sava. These ancient vines only produce around 3,000 kilograms of grapes per hectare, but in exceptional concentration and quality. Cantine San Marzano, a winegrowers' cooperative with a thousand-year-old winemaking tradition in the heart of Salento, has created a label with Sessantanni that has revolutionised the global perception of Apulian wines. The fully ripe grapes are harvested and selected by hand at the end of September. 80 per cent of the must is left to macerate for 18 days at a controlled temperature, the remaining 20 per cent for 25 days in order to achieve optimum extraction. Vinification is carried out with indigenous yeasts from our own vineyards, followed by twelve months of ageing in French and American oak barrels.

"62 Anniversario" delights all the senses ... Deep dark colour, highly appetising bouquet with aromas of pomegranate, blackcurrant and a hint of cocoa butter. The palate is enveloped by expressive fruit in the purest harmony and fullness, fine tannins and a silky texture. The grapes from very old vines and the additional six months of ageing in barriques give the Primitivo Riserva incredible density, expressiveness and depth. A parade wine for all those who like it richer in extracts! SUPERIORE.DE

Gioia del Colle is an Italian municipality near Bari and probably the most famous DOC for Primitivo wines. The wines from this appellation embody a straightforward, fresh style and are far removed from the usual jammy suspects. The vines here grow at altitudes of up to 450 metres above sea level, the nights are cooler here than elsewhere in Apulia and the wines have a racier, tighter style and more structure than their namesakes.

Orion is a very special Primitivo, always fresh and with remarkable persistence. Dense ruby red with a violet rim, the nose has intense aromas of ripe and fleshy red cherries, followed by spicy notes such as cinnamon and nutmeg. Powerful, smooth and very long in the mouth. Its clearly defined acid wire makes it fresh and pleasantly different from the sweet, jammy Primitivo monotony that is otherwise all too often on offer. SUPERIORE.DE

"La Procura" - "The Public Prosecutor's Office". The names of Gerardo Giuratrabocchetti's wines are reminiscent of his father's world as a notary.

The grapes from vines over 35 years old give this dense Primitivo strength and finesse. Deep dark in colour, the bouquet has strong nuances of sour cherry, ripe plum and dark jam, with chocolate and coffee aromas in the background. The pronounced fruity flavours continue in the full-bodied taste. Soft and sweetly melting, balanced and long. SUPERIORE.DE

Se is a pure Primitivo, comes from somewhat younger vines than the Es and is the youthful, fresh but no less elegant counterpart to the Es. Se has a very aromatic flavour of cherry, strawberry and maple blossom. Modern style on the palate, juicy texture, all components fascinatingly harmonised, long and lively. SUPERIORE.DE

Se is a pure Primitivo, from somewhat younger vines than the Es and is the youthful-fresh, but no less elegant counterpart to the Es. Se smells very aromatic of cherry, strawberry and maple blossom. Modern style on the palate, juicy texture, all components fascinatingly coordinated, long and lively. SUPERIORE.DE