Leone de Castris Villa Santera Primitivo di Manduria 2022 750ml

Product Info

90pts Vinous Media
The 2022 Primitivo di Manduria Villa Santera comes across dark and rich, with mocha, crushed black cherries, camphor and hints of brown spice. Nearly velvety in feel yet energetic, its ripe wild berry fruits and mineral tones swirl across the palate. The 2022 finishes long and gently tannic with a forgivable tinge of heat. Drinking Window: 2025 – 2028 - By Eric Guido on February 2025

Terroir & Vineyard
Nestled in the sun-drenched heel of Italy, this wine is drawn from the famed Primitivo di Manduria DOC zone in Puglia. The vineyards of Leone de Castris sit on clay-loam soils (“argillo-limoso”) which, combined with the Mediterranean coastal climate, yield grapes of both richness and freshness. The vines used for this bottling are approximately 40 years old, reflecting a mature root-system and a strong connection to site.

Winemaking
The wine is made from 100% Primitivo. According to the producer: after harvest in early September, the grapes undergo maceration and fermentation at around 20-22 °C for 10–15 days. After fermentation, there is a period of ageing (the 2022 vintage is described as having some period in large barrels / wood, though not heavy new-oak).

Tasting Notes

• Appearance: Deep ruby-to-purplish red, with vibrant youth and a rich colour intensity
• Aroma: A generous nose of ripe red and black fruits — plum, black cherry, dark cherry — complemented by spiced notes of vanilla, ginger, a faint touch of Mediterranean undergrowth.
• Palate: Full-bodied yet pleasantly balanced. The fruit is plush and enveloping, tannins are refined (though still present), and the texture is velvety. The finish shows warmth and persistence, with touch of spice and a subtly savoury edge.
• Overall impression: This is a wine that showcases the hallmark generosity of Primitivo — rich, bold, fruit-forward — but with enough polish and balance to avoid excess. It will reward drinking now, but also shows potential for medium-term ageing.

Pairing & Serving Suggestions

• Serving temperature: 16-18 °C is ideal to bring out both fruit and subtle detail.
• Food pairings:
• Grilled or roasted red meats — think lamb chops, pork spare ribs, or beef with a smoky finish.
• Rich pasta dishes — baked lasagne, pasta al forno, ragù sauces.
• Mature cheeses — aged pecorino, sharp cheddar, or well-aged goat cheese.
• For a vegetarian twist: grilled portobello mushrooms, ratatouille, or eggplant parmigiana.

Enjoyment window: Ready to drink now, best enjoyed over the next 3-6 years; earlier drinkers will enjoy the fruit-forward charm while those willing to wait will see more integration. The Tannico listing notes “drinks from 2023/2026”