Mezzanotte Primitivo 2023 - Morella

Located in Manduria, in Puglia, the Morella estate primarily works with old Primitivo vines grown as "alberello" (bush vines) on the characteristic red soils of Salento. The estate cultivates its own vineyards by hand according to biodynamic principles, with intentionally low yields.

Mezzanotte is crafted from Primitivo sourced from both bush vines over 40 years old and younger vines planted in 2005 using cuttings from the estate’s old plots. The grapes are hand-harvested, destemmed, and then fermented in small open-top vessels with repeated manual punch-downs. After pressing in a traditional vertical hydraulic press, the wine is aged in old tonneaux before being bottled unfiltered.

The nose is indulgent and expressive, dominated by ripe red and black fruits, with notes of blackberry and violet, lifted by black pepper and a touch of licorice. On the palate, the fruit is generous yet remains fresh and harmonious. Elegant and persistent tannins provide structure to the finish without weighing the wine down.

A warm and generous Primitivo from Puglia that is surprisingly fresh and easy-drinking for its variety. A beautiful expression of Salento—fruity, spicy, and structured—that pairs equally well with pasta in sauce, grilled meats, or slow-cooked dishes.