Salento peninsula in Apulia (Puglia), Italy's heel; flat limestone plains with red iron-rich soils and intense Mediterranean sun. Primitivo (Zinfandel's ancestor) produces dense, jammy reds reaching 15–17% alcohol. Also produces Primitivo di Manduria Dolce Naturale DOCG — a naturally sweet style. Ancient alberello (bush vine) training preserves old heritage.
| Year | Rating | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | — | Intense Apulian summer; alberello bush vines in stress-induced concentration; Es from this year exceptional |
| 2021 | — | Good ripening season; Primitivo reached characteristic richness; Jo and Es both showing well |
| 2020 | — | Hot Mediterranean vintage; alberello vines delivered maximum concentration from old limestone roots |
| 2019 | — | Classic Manduria profile; Es from Fino received highest ratings; benchmark for understanding old-vine Primitivo |
| 2018 | — | Variable conditions; best estates with alberello vines produced concentrated, typical wines |
| 2017 | — | Extremely hot and dry; alberello training proved its worth in water retention; intense, powerful Primitivo |
| 2016 | — | Outstanding vintage across Apulia; Primitivo di Manduria reached peaks of complexity and balance |