San Marzano Cinquanta Collezione N.V.

In 1962 nineteen vine growers from San Marzano, combined their efforts to establish
“Cantine San Marzano”. Over the years the cooperative has grown significantly and is
now composed of over 1200 vine growers. They are now one of the most professional,
forward-thinking companies in Southern Italy, with a reputation for producing great wines.
Their production philosophy is simple but uncompromising; “passion” and “competence”
are the bywords at the heart of their everyday activity.

The vineyard is located in Salento, Puglia, where the vines are grown at an altitude of
approximately 100 metres above sea level. The temperatures are relatively high over the
summer, which encourages the berries to ripen evenly. The soil is predominantly clay with
some rocks, which help drainage. The vines are old, gnarly bush vines which are over 50
years old and are planted at a density of 4,500 vines per hectare. The Primitivo is grown in
the highly reputed area of Manduria, locally regarded as the best in Puglia. The harvest
takes place in September, when the grapes are slightly overripe.

A generous, fleshy wine with dark berried fruit layered with chocolate and hints of spice.
Smooth with great purity of fruit through to a long sustained finish. Quite delicious.