2021 Mocavero Primitivo del Salento Santufili

This beautiful, deep-red, almost cherry-black Primitivo del Salento IGP 'Santufili' is made from 100% Primitivo grapes. In recent years, Primitivo has become one of the most popular grapes of southern Italy, particularly on the Adriatic coast, in the Apulia region (also known as Puglia). Santufili is the classic wine made from the Primitivo grape. Primitivo is the local version of Californian Zinfandel. A long fermentation on the skins of ripe, sun-drenched grapes produces a very deep and intense wine. The Primitivo grapes come from centuries-old vineyards, just a few kilometers from the Mediterranean Sea. Yields in these vineyards are exceptionally low, which explains the powerful and full-bodied character of the wines. After fermentation, the wine is aged for another seven to eight months in wooden barrels. The result is broad, sultry, powerful, and full-bodied, bursting with fruit.

This is a powerful wine, yet with a wonderful freshness and elegance. The nose bursts with notes of dark, ripe cherries and black currants, currants, warmth, vanilla, and a sweet spice, yet everything is beautifully balanced: rich and powerful, very sultry and intense. On the palate, the wine is flavorful and juicy, with delicious fruit flavors, berries and black cherries, soft and ripe tannins, a wonderfully sultry, powerful, and full-bodied wine with character! The Mocavero Santufili pairs perfectly with roasted meats, aged cheeses, and spicy dishes—a wine for special occasions.

Mocavero Winery

The roots of Mocavero Winery lie in the tradition of producing regional wine. This exceptional winery is also firmly rooted in the modern era. This combination guarantees carefully crafted, traditional wines with a modern touch. The company was founded in 1950 by Tommaso Congedo. He built it up over the years together with his nephew, Pietro Mocavero. He was responsible for renovating the vineyards and adapting the cellar to modern technology. Pietro Mocavero has two sons, Francesco and Marco, who have gradually taken over his work since 1987. Francesco heads the company, while his brother Marco is responsible for wine production. This means that the third generation of the family is currently in charge of the day-to-day running of this family business in Monteroni di Lecce, in the heart of the Salerno region. They produce a fine range of wines that represent a blend of regional tradition and modern wine culture. The red and rosé wines are dominated by the region's classic, well-known grapes: Negroamaro, Montepulciano, Malvasia Nera, and Primitivo. This is a conscious and important choice for the authenticity of the region's great wines and grapes. White wines are made here from the contemporary Chardonnay, which originates in France. The Mocavero brothers have dedicated themselves to continuously improving the quality of their wines. The grapes are sourced from mostly older vineyards and are harvested when perfectly ripe. The wines are, without exception, beautifully powerful and intense in character, yet the fruit is also prominently present. These are beautiful, deeply colored wines, true calling cards of the new Puglia.