# Masseria Surani 'Soranì' Primitivo di Manduria DOC (2022)

- **Producer:** Masseria Surani
- **Colour:** red
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Primitivo
- **Region:** Puglia, Italy
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 13.5%
- **Average price:** €12
- **Vegan:** Yes
- **Contains sulphites:** Yes
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 16–18 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** strawberry, raspberry, cherry, plum, liquorice, vanilla, cloves, tobacco, cinnamon

## About this wine

Masseria Surani is a historic estate located in the heart of the Salento peninsula in Puglia, acquired by the renowned Tommasi family in 2013. The property is centered around a traditional 19th-century fortified farmhouse, originally built with high stone walls to defend against pirate raids along the Ionian coast. Under the direction of the Tommasi family, the estate has been modernized to champion indigenous Puglian grape varieties. Their philosophy focuses on producing wines with greater freshness, balance, and elegance, intentionally steering away from the heavy, over-ripe, and high-alcohol styles historically associated with the region.

## Interesting facts

- The estate's 19th-century manor house was fortified with high stone walls to defend against Turkish pirate raids along the Ionian coast.
- Named Heracles internationally to honor Manduria's Greek colonization in 700 BC and the 'superhuman strength' of the local terroir.
- Coastal sea breezes slow the ripening of the Primitivo grapes, keeping the alcohol at a balanced 13.5% instead of the typical 15%.

## Food pairing

The wine's vibrant red fruit, moderate sweetness, and warm baking spices make it an exceptional match for savory, umami-rich dishes. The supple tannins and fresh acidity cut through the richness of grilled meats and cheesy bakes, while the subtle residual sugar beautifully complements sweet-and-savory profiles like barbecue sauce.

## Wine making process

The grapes are sourced from Guyot-trained vines planted at a high density in iron-rich, limestone-based soils. Following a rigorous hand-harvest, the grapes undergo temperature-controlled fermentation and maceration in stainless steel tanks for 12 to 15 days. During this period, pumping over (remontage) is performed three times daily to ensure gentle extraction of color and supple tannins. The wine is then aged for 10 months in large oak casks (botti di rovere) to integrate its structure, followed by several months of bottle aging before release.