An intense bouquet of Morello cherry, raisined plum and spicy notes combined with a hint of savoury Mediterranean herbs. Full, warm and generous.
Producer Note
In 1962, 19 vine growers from San Marzano whose families had farmed the land for generations, combined their efforts to establish 'Cantine San Marzano'. Through the decades this cooperative has grown significantly, attracting over 1,200 vine growers. Using modern and technologically advanced vinification techniques they produce elegant wines that pay homage to the ancient Apulian wine traditions. The fusion of time honoured tradition, passion and contemporary techniques, enables this winery to produce wines with distinctive varietal and regional characteristics while reflecting the local terroir. In the Sommelier Wine Awards, San Marzano was awarded European Producer of the Year 2017.
Vintage
A mild winter was followed by a spring with frequent light rainfall, especially during the months of March and April. Summer was windy, dry and hot in July and August. The maturation was gradual; the plants suffered less during the summer compared to the previous years due to the water reserves built in the spring. The healthy grapes were full of vibrant fruits and varietal characteristics at harvest.
Vineyard
Salice Salentino DOP comes from the Apulia region that makes up the south-eastern corner of Italy. Located between two seas the Adriatic Sea and the Ionian the vineyards are situated on land where vines and olive trees flourish side by side. The vineyard's soils and the Mediterranean terroir play a fundamental role in the production of the wines. The climate is extreme, with droughts, frosts and the sirocco winds, all providing challenges to the talented winemakers. The vines are grown in soils that are mainly composed of reddish clay. The harvest takes place in the second half of September, once the grapes have reached the optimal level of maturity.
Winemaking
The grapes were harvested during the second half of September. The must underwent a temperature controlled maceration for approximately 10 days, followed by alcoholic fermentation with selected yeasts. The wine was aged in stainless steel tanks, preserving the purity of fruit in the blend.
Tasting Note
An intense bouquet of cherry, savoury plum and spicy notes combined with an attractive hint of Mediterranean herbs. Full bodied with a generous flavour and a pleasantly fresh finish.
Grape
Negroamaro 85%, Malvasia Nera 15%