Storia
Earlier agricultural heritage
The estate centres on a historic masseria dating from the 17th century. Its architectural complex also contains a private chapel with frescoes from the 16th century and a substantial historic tower. Before the modern redevelopment, the land supported old bush-trained vineyards maintained through Salento’s traditional farming culture.
Acquisition and redevelopment in 2000
The Zonin family acquired Masseria Altemura in 2000 as part of a strategic programme devoted to developing Italian wines. The acquisition initiated an extended phase of planning and work on both the land and the buildings, creating the present operational centre.
The estate’s land underwent eco-sustainable interventions after the acquisition. Beginning in 2000, new rows of selected native varieties were established where the old Alberello vineyards had once grown. The varieties were chosen in relation to the property’s two principal soil types: predominantly stony soils and loamy-clayey soils, both of calcareous origin.
The historic masseria was restored while preserving its original plan and respecting its environmental and architectural context. New construction used traditional local materials, including chianche limestone slabs, carparo, tuff and white stone. A contemporary winery designed according to principles of eco-friendly architecture was incorporated within the same enclosure. Particular attention was given to the historic tower and the frescoed private chapel; the tower is intended to become a guest residence.
Technical direction from 2004
Antonio Cavallo joined the technical staff of ZONIN1821 in November 2004 and assumed the direction of Masseria Altemura, with responsibility for both viticultural and oenological operations. His remit encompasses the complete quality chain, from the estate vineyards through to bottling.
Research and continuing development
The Zonin family initiated trials aimed at precise clonal selection and at identifying the most effective relationship between each vine and its soil. With the collaboration of Prof. Attilio Scienza, analysis and on-site mapping were undertaken before vineyard planting. Further experimentation encompasses Moscato, Malvasia Nera and Susumaniello.
Terroir
Position between two seas
Masseria Altemura lies in the Salento peninsula, within the agricultural territory of Torre Santa Susanna and Oria. Its position is approximately midway between the Ionian and Adriatic seas. The estate benefits from air currents arriving from the Ionian side, which opens towards the Mediterranean, and from the saline influence associated with the Adriatic.
Light and surface stone
The landscape has intense luminosity. White stone emerges at the surface between the vine rows and, during the sunniest periods, reflects sunlight towards the vines, contributing to grape ripening.
Soils
The property’s soils share a calcareous origin but divide into two principal textural types: one is predominantly stony, while the other has a loamy-clayey texture. Red earth mixed with white blocks of limestone is also visible beneath the estate’s centuries-old olive trees.
Appellation setting
The estate stands within the Primitivo di Manduria DOC production area. Primitivo is its principal grape and is cultivated as a pure varietal expression intended to combine complexity with finesse.
Vinificazione
Viticulture has followed an eco-sustainable philosophy since the Zonin family’s acquisition in 2000. The redevelopment replaced former Alberello vineyards with new rows of selected native varieties chosen to interact with the estate’s two calcareous soil types.
The viticultural programme prioritises native grapes and the relationship between plant and soil. Trials initiated by the Zonin family pursue accurate clonal selection and assessment of the optimal vine–soil balance. Analysis and detailed on-site mapping, undertaken with Prof. Attilio Scienza before planting, distinguished predominantly stony soils from loamy-clayey soils. An additional experimental programme encompasses Moscato, Malvasia Nera and Susumaniello.
Masseria Altemura controls the production chain from its vineyards through to the bottle. Its contemporary winery was designed according to current principles of eco-friendly architecture and integrated with the restored 17th-century masseria inside a single enclosure.
Production combines modern winemaking techniques with respect for tradition. Sunlight and natural techniques form part of the estate’s stated production identity. Corrective interventions in the cellar have been eliminated, leaving the oenologists’ judgement to guide the wines towards their intended style. Antonio Cavallo directs both the viticultural and oenological sides of the operation.
Filosofia
Masseria Altemura’s philosophy joins native grape varieties, complete control of the production chain and an eco-sustainable approach to the land. The vineyards are intended to give voice to their Salento origin, while clonal selection and soil mapping are used to refine the relationship between each plant and its growing environment.
Antonio Cavallo’s stated objective is for the estate to express the full potential of Apulian wine. In this conception, native varieties are the foundation, quality is followed continuously from vineyard to bottle, and the finished wines should unite strength and elegance as a recognisable imprint of Salento.
In the cellar, the guiding balance is between modern technique and respect for tradition. Natural techniques and the influence of the sun are emphasised, corrective cellar interventions are avoided, and the oenologists’ sensitivity directs stylistic decisions.