2020 San Marzano Anniversario 62 Primitivo di Manduria Riserva

A concentrated Primitivo Riserva from sixty-year-old vines and aged for an extra long time for more depth and complexity.

Winery

Cantine San Marzano is one of the most successful producers in Southern Italy and has played a significant role in the international rise of Primitivo di Manduria. The winery was founded in 1962 by a group of local winemakers and has since combined traditional viticulture with modern techniques. The Anniversario 62 was created in honor of the estate's founding year and represents one of the most prestigious wines in the range. Thanks to the combination of old vines, low yields, and extended aging, this Riserva ranks among the top wines of the appellation. You can find more information about this winery in the Winery tab.

Origin and terroir

The grapes come from very old vineyards around San Marzano and Sava in the heart of the Primitivo di Manduria appellation. This part of Salento enjoys a warm Mediterranean climate with many hours of sunshine, limited rainfall, and significant temperature differences between day and night. These conditions ensure optimal ripening of the grapes and a high aromatic concentration. The soils consist of finely structured loams rich in iron oxides, which create the characteristic red color. The calcareous subsoil contributes to structure and balance.

Grapes and vineyard management

The Anniversario 62 Riserva is made from 100% Primitivo sourced from approximately sixty-year-old alberello vines. These traditional bush vines naturally yield low harvests and produce grapes with a high concentration of aromas and flavors. The vineyards are planted with approximately 5,000 vines per hectare. Due to the advanced age of the vines, the result is a wine with more depth, structure, and complexity than many standard Primitivos. The harvest takes place around mid-September when the grapes have reached their optimal ripeness.

Vinification and aging

After manual harvesting, the grapes are destemmed and gently crushed. This is followed by cold maceration at approximately 8 degrees Celsius for 24 to 48 hours. Next, a temperature-controlled fermentation of about ten days with indigenous yeasts follows at 24 to 26 degrees Celsius. After malolactic fermentation in stainless steel tanks, the wine ages for no less than eighteen months in French and American oak barrels. This longer aging distinguishes the Riserva from the regular Sessantanni and ensures extra complexity, structure, and refinement.

Color, smell and taste

The wine presents a deep ruby red color. The aroma is dominated by ripe plums, black cherries, and dark fruit, followed by notes of tobacco, sweet spices, and vanilla. As the wine opens up, nuances of cocoa, coffee, and toasted wood emerge. On the palate, the wine is full, powerful, and richly concentrated, yet remarkably smooth at the same time. The ripe tannins provide structure without harshness. The long finish is characterized by notes of chocolate, espresso, vanilla, and ripe black fruit.

Style and character

The Anniversario 62 Riserva displays a more layered and complex style than many other Primitivos from Puglia. The combination of old vines, a warm provenance, and extended barrel aging results in a wine with great depth and impressive aromatic richness. Despite its power, the wine remains harmonious and accessible thanks to the soft tannins and ripe fruit structure.

Volume

The 2020 vintage benefited from excellent ripening conditions in Salento. The warm summer ensured perfectly ripe fruit with high concentration, while the old vines maintained sufficient balance. Thanks to the extra-long aging of eighteen months, the wine developed more complexity and refinement. The alcohol content is 14.5%. The drinking window runs from 2024 to 2038, during which the wine can continue to develop positively in the bottle for many years.

Food and wine pairings

This powerful Primitivo Riserva pairs excellently with grilled beef, lamb, game dishes, and rich stews. Dishes with truffles, aged cheeses, and slow-cooked meats also make an excellent combination. Thanks to the ripe tannins and full structure, the wine also complements barbecue dishes and Mediterranean cuisine beautifully.

Wine & Food Pairing and Discount

If available, you will find the official factsheet and additional information about this fine wine in the 'Attachments' tab. We will automatically send these to you upon ordering this wine. The wine is stored in our climate-controlled Wine Warehouse, and if you come to collect the wine, you will often receive a nice discount. You will see your discount immediately when you select 'Pick up' on the checkout page. We are located in Dordrecht, situated almost next to the A16 with ample parking. Click here for our address.

You can read full wine reviews from Parker, Suckling, Vinous, and Wine Spectator, among others. Need advice on finding the ideal wine for your dish? Click here for our exclusive Sommelier. Free for Grandcruwijnen customers. In the Food tab, you will find advice on what to look for for the right food and wine pairing, and a number of dish suggestions from our Sommelier.