Primitivo del Salento 'Orion' Masseria Li Veli 2023

Masseria Li Veli's Primitivo del Salento 'Orion' is a typically soft and fruity expression of Primitivo, produced from grapes from both young and old vines grown as small trees. The appellation 'Orion' derives from the Greek word 'oros', meaning 'border', a reference to the ancient road located near the estate that once separated Byzantine and Lombard possessions, known as the 'Boundary of the Greeks'. It was precisely the Greeks who spread tree cultivation in Apulia and, more generally, in Southern Italy.

Masseria Li Veli Primitivo del Salento 'Orion' is produced using only Primitivo grapes from young vines grown on spurred cordon trellises and, to a lesser extent, from old vines grown as small trees. The vines stand on clay and sandy soils with residual limestone and enjoy the characteristic breezy Mediterranean climate that characterises the Salento area. Towards the end of August, the grapes are harvested by hand and vinified in red by means of alcoholic fermentation in stainless steel tanks in contact with the skins at a controlled temperature of between 22 and 28 °C. Subsequent maturation takes place in French oak barrels, containers in which the wine stays for several months until final bottling.

The Primitivo del Salento Masseria Li Veli 'Orion' is bright ruby red in colour. On the nose, the typical and mouth-watering fruity hints of the variety, reminiscent of red plum and mulberry, blend with sensations of pink pepper and intriguing hints of sandalwood. The taste is dry and decisive, yet never tiring, with pleasant, well-integrated tannins accompanying the intense finish on tones of black fruits.