Puglia's most prestigious red wine appellation for Primitivo (genetically identical to Zinfandel); sandy soils in the Manduria area of Salento peninsula at low altitude; the 'dolce naturale' sweet style (minimum 16% alcohol) is traditional; dry Primitivo produces rich, generous reds of extraordinary concentration. DNA testing proved Primitivo and Zinfandel are the same variety (Croatian Crljenak) in 2001.
| Year | Rating | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | — | Balanced Mediterranean vintage; freshness preserved Primitivo's vibrancy |
| 2022 | — | Good year; Salento heat moderated; Primitivo shows its characteristic dried fruit and spice character |
| 2021 | — | Excellent; old vine Primitivo at its most expressive; concentration with surprising elegance; benchmark wines |
| 2020 | — | Good growing season; Manduria heat produced rich generous reds; balanced by sandy soil freshness |
| 2019 | — | Excellent vintage; Primitivo shows extraordinary concentration; dark plum, fig, chocolate; structured wines |
| 2018 | — | Good Primitivo year; old vine concentration; rich dark fruit with characteristic alcohol warmth |
| 2017 | — | Drought stress; concentrated wines with elevated alcohol |