Viniou Reviews
Cantine San Marzano’s 2019 Primitivo di Manduria presents a compelling expression of southern Italy’s red wine tradition. The Primitivo grape, genetically linked to California’s Zinfandel, reveals all its sun-drenched Mediterranean character here. In this vintage, expect an intense ruby hue with a bouquet of ripe blackberries, plum, dark cherry, and hints of sweet spice and liquorice. The palate is ample and generous, delivering soft yet structured tannins and a pleasing roundness, thanks to the region’s warm climate. Nuances of cocoa, vanilla and tobacco often emerge, a reflection of careful vinification and maturation in oak, which lend depth without masking the signature fruitiness. Primitivo di Manduria is known for its richness and concentration; 2019’s favourable conditions have accentuated these traits, resulting in a wine of both power and elegance.
The Puglia region, tucked into the heel of Italy’s boot, enjoys a warm, maritime-influenced climate with hot summers and mild winters. The soils around Manduria are typically red, sandy clays rich in iron oxides, which impart a distinctive minerality, and the vines’ proximity to the Ionian Sea allows for a moderating effect that preserves freshness in the grapes. Puglia’s winemaking history stretches back millennia, shaped by Greek and Roman settlers, and Primitivo di Manduria DOC stands as its flagship denomination for robust red wines.
This wine pairs beautifully with bold, flavoursome dishes—think grilled red meats, lamb or game, as well as mature hard cheeses. Regionally, enjoy it with orecchiette pasta tossed with a rich meat ragù, or a traditional Puglian tiella (a layered dish of potatoes, rice, mussels and tomatoes), which will highlight the wine’s lively acidity and fruit core. Hearty stews or aubergine parmigiana also make fine companions.
For optimal enjoyment, serve the Cantine San Marzano Primitivo di Manduria 2019 at 16-18°C. Decanting for an hour enhances its expressive aromatics and silken texture, allowing the full spectrum of fruit and spice to unfurl in the glass. This vintage is ready to drink but will reward a few more years’ cellaring for those seeking extra complexity.
