San Marzano “F” Puglia Negroamaro

A classy, rich and velvety Negroamaro delivering an intriguing bouquet of violets and sweet plummy fruit, layered with hints of cocoa, tobacco and liquorice. Concentrated and balanced, with a long, satisfying finish.

• Winery: San Marzano
  
• Varietal: Negroamaro
  
• Region: Salento, Puglia, Italy
• Vintage: 2021
  
• Alcohol: 14.5%
  
• Volume: 750ml
  
• Closure: Cork
• Food match: Grilled meats & hamburgers; meatballs & spaghetti Bolognese; pizza; mushrooms & onions; Parmesan & matured cheeses
  

"We searched long and hard among the oldest Negramaro vineyards of Salento for the perfect grapes to express the soul of this noble vine. We selected only three vineyards and “F” is the name we chose to give them. “F” as in Feudi di San Marzano. A part of our history, this letter has become a mark of quality for Negramaro, a symbol of our passion for this ancient and challenging grape.” San Marzano

Cantine San Marzano is a cooperative winery in the centre of the Primitivo di Manduria DOP zone of Puglia, southern Italy. The enterprise was founded in 1962 by 19 grape growers.

Bulk wines were produced until 1996, when a bottling line was installed. After this the Cantine began to focus on its own brand. For San Marzano Primitivo is, unsurprisingly, the principal grape variety. However, Negromaro, Merlot, Chardonnay, Malvasia Bianco, Malvasia Nera and Fiano are among the other grape varieties cultivated.

The portfolio features two multi wine subsidiary brands, Il Pumo and Talò. They both include a range of white rosé and red wines made under the Salento IGP designation. There is also an Il Pumo Salice Salentino DOP red, and a Talò Primitivo di Manduria DOP.

Several stand-alone cuvées are also released. These include the flagship product, Sessantanni Old Vines Primitivo di Manduria, which was first produced in 2000. This full-bodied wine is made from fruit sourced from selected vines of at least 60 years of age. The vineyards are located around San Marzano and Sava. Fermented with native yeasts, it is aged in French and American oak barrels for 12 months.

Liboll Extra Dry is a sparkling wine made mainly from Chardonnay with other native white grapes. Grappa and olive oil is also produced. 

In 2015 Masseria Samia was acquired. The restored 16th Century farmhouse by the Ionian Sea, once restored, will be used for food and wine courses. The vineyard is being used as a research facility. It is dedicated to nearly forgotten local grape varieties, and less familiar clones of the more familiar ones. 

• Gold - 2022 Vinarium International Wine Contest (2020 vintage)
  
• 1st Best Red Wine of Italy & 98/100 Points - Luca Maroni (2020 vintage)
  
• Gold - 2022 Mundus Vini - Spring Tasting (2020 vintage)
  
• Gold - 2022 Berliner Wein Trophy - Winter Tasting (2020 vintage)
  
• Gold - 2022 Sakura Japan Women's Wine Awards (2020 vintage)
  
• Tre Bicchieri - 2023 Vini D'Italia Gambero Rosso (2020 vintage)
  
• Corona - Vinibuoni D'Italia (2020 vintage)
  
• Silver - 2022 Hong Kong International Wine Competition (2020 vintage)