Masseria Altemura Primitivo Di Manduria Altemura 2022

Masseria Altemura Primitivo di Manduria Altemura 2022 is the estate’s flagship wine and a refined, contemporary expression of one of Southern Italy’s most characterful grapes. Drawing inspiration from Apulian architecture – the interplay of vertical towers and broad white stone walls – this cuvée captures both structure and elegance in the glass. Sourced from some of the best-situated vineyards in Salento, it showcases Primitivo at its most polished and precise, with the depth and complexity worthy of a true cru bottling.

Tasting Notes
In the glass, the 2022 Altemura Primitivo di Manduria shows a deep, concentrated ruby-red hue with violet reflections at the rim. The nose is intense and layered, opening with ripe black cherry, plum and blackberry compote, followed by nuances of sweet spice, licorice, cocoa, dried Mediterranean herbs and a delicate hint of vanilla and cedar from oak aging. On the palate, this is a plush yet sculpted Primitivo: full-bodied, with velvety tannins and a generous core of dark fruit, balanced by a refreshing line of minerality from the limestone soils. Flavors of juicy blackberries, dark cherries and figs are intertwined with notes of mocha, tobacco leaf and a touch of balsamic complexity. The finish is long, warm and harmonious, with lingering spice and a subtle saline edge that speaks to the proximity of the seas. While already approachable and pleasurable in its youth, the structure and concentration suggest excellent aging potential over the next 8–10 years, during which it will gain further tertiary notes of leather, dried fruit and forest floor.

Production
The grapes for Altemura are grown in the heart of Salento, in Manduria, where vineyards sit on soils rich in white limestone and fragmented rock, overlaid with red, iron-tinged clays. This distinctive terroir, combined with constant sea breezes from both the Ionian and Adriatic coasts, ensures warm, sun-drenched days and cooler nights that preserve aromatic freshness and acidity. Primitivo grapes are typically harvested by hand at optimal ripeness to maintain fruit integrity and allow for strict selection in the vineyard. In the cellar, the must undergoes controlled fermentation to extract color, aroma and fine tannins, followed by maceration to build depth and structure. The wine is then aged, in a mix of oak (often French or Slavonian) and tank, to harmonize its bold fruit with subtle spice and to refine the texture, resulting in a cru that is both powerful and impeccably balanced.

Food & Serving
This Primitivo di Manduria is a natural partner for rich, flavorful dishes. It pairs beautifully with grilled or braised red meats, slow-cooked lamb, hearty ragù over fresh pasta, and aged hard cheeses such as Parmigiano Reggiano or Pecorino. It also complements Mediterranean-inspired plates like herb-crusted lamb chops, oxtail stew, or roasted eggplant with tomato and olives. Serve at 16–18°C (60–64°F) for optimal expression. Decanting for 45–60 minutes before serving is recommended, especially in its first few years, to allow the aromas to fully open and the tannins to soften.

Producer
Masseria Altemura is located in the heart of Apulia’s Salento peninsula, set within a historic fortified farmhouse (masseria) surrounded by vineyards and olive groves. The estate has been restored and developed with a focus on expressing the unique character of this sun-soaked, sea-influenced corner of Italy, where limestone soils and maritime breezes shape distinctive, terroir-driven wines. As one of the region’s quality benchmarks, Masseria Altemura has played a key role in elevating the reputation of Primitivo di Manduria from rustic local specialty to internationally recognized fine wine. Their flagship Altemura bottling stands as a symbol of this ambition, consistently earning critical attention for its combination of power, finesse and sense of place.

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