The Primitivo Mixed Case

Puglia After Dark

Dark, generous and unapologetically Puglian, this mixed case brings together three compelling expressions built around Primitivo. Anniversario 62 delivers immense concentration and polished oak, Sessantanni reveals the depth of old bush vines, while Amativo introduces Negroamaro for a fresher, more savoury counterpoint.

Across the case, expect black cherry, ripe plum and dried fig layered with liquorice, cocoa, tobacco and warming spice. These are full-bodied wines with serious presence, but each retains the balance and structure needed to keep that richness beautifully composed.

For when: the food is slow-cooked, the table is full and the evening deserves something generous.

Pairs with: slow-roasted lamb, beef ragù, ribeye steak, game, barbecued meats, aubergine parmigiana or mature cheeses.

6-bottle case

2 bottles of each wine.

The wines

2020 Primitivo di Manduria Riserva ‘Anniversario 62’, San Marzano

The richest and most opulent

Created in honour of the 19 growers who founded San Marzano in 1962, Anniversario 62 comes from very old bush vines planted in the iron-rich red soils of Manduria. Prune, black cherry jam and sweet spice meet tobacco, cocoa, coffee and vanilla. Full-bodied and intensely concentrated, with a velvety texture, polished tannins and a long, luxurious finish. Matured for 18 months in French and American oak.

2019 Primitivo di Manduria Riserva ‘Sessantanni’, San Marzano

The old-vine classic

Sessantanni takes its name from the 60-year-old bush vines that produce its intensely concentrated fruit. Black cherry, plum preserve and dried fig are layered with cocoa, vanilla, liquorice and sweet spice. Powerful and enveloping, yet beautifully harmonious, with smooth tannins, balsamic complexity and a long, warming finish. A benchmark expression of Primitivo di Manduria, matured for 12 months in French and American oak.

2022 Amativo, Cantele

The savoury counterpoint

Amativo unites the generous fruit of Primitivo with the structure, freshness and gently bitter edge of Negroamaro. Wild blackberry, blackcurrant and dried fig meet violet, liquorice, clove, cocoa and balsamic spice. Silky and full-bodied, with ripe tannins and vibrant acidity bringing energy to the rich fruit. The finish is long, savoury and subtly mineral, providing a fascinating contrast to the two pure Primitivo wines.

Primitivo thrives beneath Puglia’s intense southern Italian sun, producing deeply coloured wines with abundant dark fruit, warming spice and naturally generous texture. This case explores the variety at its most ambitious, moving from the savoury complexity of a native Puglian blend to two richly layered old-vine Riservas from the heart of Manduria.

Major awards and scores

2020 Anniversario 62: 98 points, Luca Maroni. Gold Medal, Sommelier Wine Awards.

2019 Sessantanni: 99 points, Luca Maroni. Tre Bicchieri, Gambero Rosso.

2022 Amativo: 92 points, Vinous.