This salmon-pink rosato of Primitivo is all hibiscus tea on the nose, with lemon peel and cherry candy that follow on the palate. There, they are joined by sour cherries but also some savory, tannic notes that bring out a grassy, earthiness against the spine of acid. \n \n Producer Information \n \n Cantine San Marzano is a cooperative winery in the centre of the Primitivo di Manduria DOP zone of Puglia, southern Italy. The enterprise was founded in 1962 by 19 grapegrowers. Bulk wines were produced until 1996, when a bottling line was installed. After this the Cantine began to focus on its own brand. For San Marzano Primitivo is, unsurprisingly, the principal grape variety. However, Negromaro, Merlot, Chardonnay, Malvasia Bianco, Malvasia Nera and Fiano are among the other grape varieties cultivated. The portfolio features two multi wine subsidiary brands, Il Pumo and Talò. They both include a range of white rosé and red wines made under the Salento IGP designation. There is also an Il Pumo Salice Salentino DOP red, and a Talò Primitivo di Manduria DOP. Several stand-alone cuvées are also released. These include the flagship product, Sessantanni Old Vines Primitivo di Manduria, which was first produced in 2000. This full-bodied wine is made from fruit sourced from selected vines of at least 60 years of age. The vineyards are located around San Marzano and Sava. Fermented with native yeasts, it is aged in French and American oak barrels for 12 months. Liboll Extra Dry is a sparkling wine made mainly from Chardonnay with other native white grapes. Grappa and olive oil is also produced. In 2015 Masseria Samia was acquired. The restored 16th Century farmhouse by the Ionian Sea, once restored, will be used for food and wine courses. The vineyard is being used as a research facility. It is dedicated to nearly forgotten local grape varieties, and less familiar clones of the more familiar ones.
