The San Marzano 'Anniversario 62' is a special wine created in honor of the cooperative's founding year. This year marks its 60th anniversary, a significant milestone for one of Puglia's most successful cooperatives. The wine originates from the central area of D.O.P. "Primitivo di Manduria," where the grapes are cultivated in very old vineyards in San Marzano and Sava. Notably, it has been included in The Wine Merchant Top 100 list. In terms of taste, it is a rich and full-bodied wine with distinct flavors of prunes and chocolate-covered black cherry, complemented by refreshing herbal notes, creating a truly delightful combination. The history of the winery is equally fascinating. In 1962, 19 vine growers from San Marzano, whose families had worked the land for generations, joined forces to establish 'Cantine San Marzano.' Over the years, this cooperative has flourished and now boasts over 1,200 vine growers. By employing modern and advanced vinification techniques, the winery produces refined wines that honor the age-old Apulian wine traditions. The winery's ability to blend traditional practices with modern methods allows it to create wines with unique varietal and regional characteristics that reflect the local terroir. In recognition of its excellence, San Marzano was awarded the prestigious 'Cooperative Winery of the Year Award' by Gambero Rosso in 2021. When it comes to the production process, only the finest fruit from select plots is chosen to craft this exceptional wine. The grapes are carefully hand-harvested at an optimal stage of ripeness. Following this, temperature-controlled fermentation occurs at 24 to 26°C and lasts for approximately 15 days. The wine undergoes malolactic conversion in stainless steel vats before being transferred to French and American oak barrels for 18 months of maturation. This meticulous process ensures the creation of a truly remarkable wine.
