“Sessantanni Old Vines” Primitivo di Manduria DOP 2020

Cantine San Marzano | Puglia
Cantine San Marzano scarl | Via Regina Margherita 149 | 74020 San Marzano

15162120 · 0,75 l · 26,53 €/l · Price (DE) incl. VAT, excl. Shippingavailable immediately

Sessantanni – sixty years. The age of the gnarled bush vines that take root in the iron-rich terra rossa soils of San Marzano and Sava, trained using the traditional Alberello method. This training method, in which the vines grow low to the ground without wire trellises, is labour-intensive, but protects the grapes from the scorching Apulian sun and naturally limits yields – to around 3,000 kilograms per hectare. With the Sessantanni, Cantine San Marzano has created a label that has significantly shaped the international perception of Apulian wines. The fully ripe grapes are harvested by hand at the end of September. 80% of the must is macerated for 18 days, whilst the remaining 20% is macerated for 25 days to ensure maximum extraction. Vinification takes place using indigenous yeasts, followed by twelve months' ageing in French and American oak barrels.

A dense, almost impenetrable ruby-violet colour. The nose is bursting with dark fruit: blackberry jam, prunes, candied cherries, underpinned by vanilla and toasty notes. Opulent and full-bodied on the palate, with soft tannins and a distinctly perceptible sweetness that cushions the high alcohol content. A wine that divides opinion – for some, the epitome of Apulian fruitiness; for others, a style that lacks balance. Those seeking the ultimate in opulence will find it here. SUPERIORE.DE

"A rich and generous red showcasing black berries, dark plums and sweet spices. It's full-bodied with plush tannins. Creamy and densely fruited with more spice character toward the fleshy finish. Drink or hold." James Suckling