Questo vino
Vineyard and terroir
The Primitivo comes from Masseria Maìme in Upper Salento, near San Pietro Vernotico in the province of Brindisi. The estate extends along the coast, with vineyards between woodland and pine forest reaching towards the sea.
Grapes
100% Primitivo.
Vinification
The fruit is harvested slightly overripe. After destemming and gentle crushing, the must ferments in stainless steel at a controlled temperature no higher than 28 °C. Maceration lasts approximately 13 days and is managed with gentle pump-overs and délestage.
Ageing
The 2023 wine is matured 80% in barriques and 20% in tonneaux, using previously filled oak. The main page describes an overall maturation of approximately 18 months before bottling.
Technical data
Primitivo del Salento IGT. Vintage 2023. Alcohol: 15% vol. Bottle size: 750 ml.
Tasting profile
Intense ruby red with a light violet hue. Sour cherry, raspberry and dried plum are layered with sweet spice, liquorice, chocolate and coffee. The palate is broad, supple and structured, with elegant tannins and good freshness. A long, persistent finish recalls cherry jam.
Serving and pairing
Pair with local dishes, robust sauces and roasted meats. The Italian shop recommends 14–16 °C, while the English shop gives 18–20 °C.
Vintage notes
The 2023 winter and spring were generally mild and rainy, building useful soil-water reserves and delaying the vegetative cycle; flowering occurred around ten days later than usual. Summer was predominantly dry. Sunny conditions and good day-to-night temperature variation in August and September supported healthy fruit and elegant tannins. Harvest ran from 13 to 20 September, around seven days later than the historical average.
Label / history
Torcicoda connects Primitivo with the rural landscape and with the grape's former economic importance to local families, when it could form part of a young bride's dowry. The name evokes both a horse-care implement used by estate workers and the winding, vigorous shoots and leaves of a fertile variety once called the grape of “three harvests.” Torcicoda was the first Apulian wine included in Wine Spectator's Top 100.
