Manduria is a hot and dry set of coastal plains sloping gently down to the Ionian sea and the famed wine produced here, Primitivo di Manduria, is among the oldest of the 15 or so DOCs in Italy’s heel. This subregion of southern Puglia is the spiritual home of Primitivo and the only region in Italy to specialise in the variety. This inky-dark, early-ripening grape has become famed for its intensity and complexity, especially in the latest decades as producers have focused less on yields and more on quality and balance.

100% Primitivo was harvested off 40-year-old vines on Leone de Castra’s Santera estate and were vinified without oak. The variety’s naturally dark-skinned grapes produce tannic wines of intense flavor and colour, so there is rarely need for oak, as the structure is always firm and the natural ripeness brings forth generous fruit sweetness and spice.

2022

”Deep dark ruby. On the nose there are notes of ripe cherry and forest fruit, followed by blackberry jam. The palate opens with a fine texture, well-rounded, with a fine finish.” 92 points, Falstaff

Gold, Sakura Japan Wine Awards 2024

95 points, Luca Maroni

Gold + Best of Show Primitivo di Manduria, Mundus Vini

Gold, Berliner Wein Trophy