What kind of wine is Primitivo di Manduria PDO 'Sessantanni' 2019 - San Marzano?

The Primitivo di Manduria PDO 'Sessantanni' 2019 - San Marzano is one of Puglia's iconic red wines, made from the native Primitivo grape, cultivated in the oldest vineyards in the Manduria area. It is an intense, full-bodied, and complex wine, perfectly representing the richness of the Salento region. The name "Sessantanni" refers to the over sixty-year-old vines from which it is made, bearing witness to a deep and authentic winemaking tradition.

The Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) guarantees quality and a strong link to the territory: only grapes harvested in the Manduria area can be used to produce this wine. On the palate, it is a warm, structured, and velvety red, with a perfect balance between fruit sweetness and tannic strength.

Vintage details

The 2019 vintage is characterized by favorable weather conditions, with warm but never arid summers and a harvest that allowed for perfectly ripe grapes. The contained yields and long sun exposure contributed to concentrating aromas and sugars, giving the wine the typical generosity of Primitivo di Manduria.

Winemaking and aging

The grapes for Primitivo di Manduria PDO 'Sessantanni' 2019 - San Marzano are harvested at full ripeness. Fermentation occurs with maceration on the skins to enhance color and aromas. After fermentation, the wine ages for 12 months in French and American oak barriques, a crucial step that softens the tannins and enriches the aromatic profile with notes of vanilla, cocoa, and toasted spices.

Tasting notes

A wine that captivates with its personality and complexity, ideal for those who wish to discover the most authentic soul of Puglian Primitivo.

Color

Visually, it presents an intense ruby red color with garnet hues, typical of a mature and structured wine.

Nose

On the nose, it opens with a broad and enveloping bouquet: amarena cherry and plum jam, followed by notes of sweet tobacco, licorice, and vanilla. The spicy notes derive from the wood aging, which imparts depth and elegance.

Taste

On the palate, it is full, warm, and soft. The tannins (substances that provide structure and slight astringency) are silky and well integrated. The persistence is long, with hints of cocoa and ripe black fruit. A wine of great structure, yet harmonious and pleasantly balanced.

Food pairings for Primitivo di Manduria PDO 'Sessantanni' 2019 - San Marzano

This wine pairs perfectly with rich and flavorful dishes that can stand up to its intensity. Ideal for:

• Roasts of red meat and braised dishes;
• Game and slow-cooked wild game;
• Aged or spicy cheeses;
• Traditional Puglian dishes such as bombette or oven-baked lamb with aromatic herbs.

Served at a temperature of about 18°C, it expresses all its aromatic nuances best.

Storage and aging: how to store Primitivo di Manduria PDO 'Sessantanni' 2019 - San Marzano wine

For optimal storage, Primitivo di Manduria PDO 'Sessantanni' 2019 - San Marzano should be kept in a cool, dry place, away from direct light sources and vibrations. The ideal temperature is between 12 and 16°C, with the bottle stored horizontally to keep the cork consistently moist.

Thanks to its structure and concentration, this wine can be aged in the bottle for several years, evolving towards more complex aromas of sweet spices and leather. It is a perfect choice both for immediate consumption and for those who wish to discover how time enhances the nuances of Primitivo di Manduria.