{"title":"Masso Antico","description":null,"products":[{"product_id":"masso-antico-primitivo-del-salento","title":"Masso Antico Primitivo del Salento","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMasso Antico Primitivo del Salento\u003c\/strong\u003e is a 100% Primitivo red wine from Puglia's Salento IGT region, bottled at 14% ABV in a standard 750ml format. This appassito-style expression earned 90 points from \u003cem\u003eWine Enthusiast\u003c\/em\u003e for the 2021 vintage and a remarkable 99-point rating from Italian critic Luca Maroni, placing it among the most decorated Primitivo wines in its price tier.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQuick Facts:\u003c\/strong\u003e ABV: 14%  |  Origin: Salento IGT, Puglia, Italy  |  Varietal: 100% Primitivo  |  Producer: Schenk Italia SPA\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eProduction \u0026amp; Heritage\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eProduced by Schenk Italia SPA, one of Italy's larger wine operations, Masso Antico sources its Primitivo grapes from vineyards in the sun-soaked Salento peninsula at the heel of Italy's boot. The vines are trained using the ancient Alberello (bush vine) method, a low-growing technique developed over centuries to cope with the region's intense heat and limited rainfall. What distinguishes this wine from standard Primitivo bottlings is its \u003cem\u003eleggermente appassito\u003c\/em\u003e approach — grapes are left to partially wither on the vine, concentrating sugars and flavor compounds before harvest. After pressing, the wine undergoes a slow maturation of approximately six months in French oak barrels, adding structure and subtle toasty complexity without overwhelming the fruit.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eTasting Notes\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAroma:\u003c\/strong\u003e The nose opens with dark cherry and mulberry, moving into violet, strawberry compote, and a savory undercurrent of black pepper and dried herbs. A hint of licorice lingers beneath the fruit, adding depth.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTaste:\u003c\/strong\u003e The entry is juicy and generous, with ripe blackberry and plum dominating the mid-palate. Firm but polished tannins provide structure, while flavors of dark chocolate, vanilla, and baking spice emerge as the wine develops in the glass. The appassito treatment gives a perceptible density without veering into overt sweetness.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFinish:\u003c\/strong\u003e Medium-long, with sweet spice and dark fruit pastille notes that taper into a warm, slightly peppery close. The French oak influence appears as a gentle toast character that rounds out the final impression.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eHow to Drink Masso Antico Primitivo\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis wine is best served at 16–18°C (60–64°F) and benefits from 15–20 minutes of breathing time, either decanted or simply left open in the glass. Its concentrated fruit and structured tannins also make it a versatile partner for wine-based drinks. A \u003cstrong\u003ePrimitivo Sangria\u003c\/strong\u003e amplifies the dark berry profile with fresh seasonal fruit and a splash of brandy. A classic \u003cstrong\u003eKalimotxo\u003c\/strong\u003e (red wine and cola) works surprisingly well here, as the wine's natural density and sweetness hold up against the mixer. For a warm-weather option, a \u003cstrong\u003eTinto de Verano\u003c\/strong\u003e with lemon soda lets the fruit-forward character shine in a lighter format.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eBest For\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWeeknight Italian dinners featuring pasta with hearty meat sauces\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIntroducing red wine drinkers to the appassito style without the premium of Amarone\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGifting to someone who enjoys bold, fruit-driven Southern Italian reds\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBringing to a barbecue or cookout where grilled meats are the centerpiece\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat does Masso Antico Primitivo taste like?\u003c\/strong\u003e It delivers rich, concentrated dark fruit — blackberry, plum, and mulberry — layered with chocolate, vanilla, and warm baking spice. The appassito winemaking method gives it a dense, juicy texture with a sweet spice finish.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow does Masso Antico Primitivo compare to San Marzano Sessantanni?\u003c\/strong\u003e Both are Primitivo wines from Puglia, but Sessantanni is a Primitivo di Manduria DOC sourced from 60-year-old vines, typically commanding a higher price and delivering greater tannic complexity. Masso Antico offers a more approachable, fruit-forward profile at a lower price point, making it an accessible entry into the appassito style.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Masso Antico Primitivo good for everyday drinking?\u003c\/strong\u003e Yes — its generous fruit, moderate tannins, and 14% ABV make it an easy choice for casual dinners. The concentrated flavors punch above its weight class, providing depth without requiring a special occasion.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhere is Masso Antico Primitivo made?\u003c\/strong\u003e It is produced in the Salento IGT zone, located in the southern part of Puglia at the heel of the Italian peninsula. The vineyards benefit from warm Mediterranean winds and a dry climate ideally suited to the Primitivo grape.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat foods pair well with Masso Antico Primitivo?\u003c\/strong\u003e Grilled lamb chops work well, as the charred fat complements the wine's dark fruit and spice. Slow-braised short ribs or beef ragu mirror the wine's density. Aged pecorino cheese matches its savory, peppery undertones. Pizza with sausage and roasted peppers is a natural regional pairing. Dark chocolate desserts echo the chocolate notes found on the palate.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat sizes does Masso Antico Primitivo come in?\u003c\/strong\u003e It is widely available in the standard 750ml bottle format.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Masso Antico Primitivo worth the price?\u003c\/strong\u003e It positions as a value-tier Primitivo that consistently over-delivers, evidenced by its 90-point \u003cem\u003eWine Enthusiast\u003c\/em\u003e score, Berlin Wine Trophy Gold medals, and a 99-point Luca Maroni rating. For drinkers seeking the concentrated, dried-fruit richness associated with appassito winemaking, it represents strong value relative to more expensive Amarone or Primitivo di Manduria bottlings.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eWhy Masso Antico Primitivo?\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eFew wines at this price point can claim a 99-point Luca Maroni rating, a 90-point \u003cem\u003eWine Enthusiast\u003c\/em\u003e score, and back-to-back Berlin Wine Trophy Gold medals. The \u003cem\u003eleggermente appassito\u003c\/em\u003e technique — allowing grapes to partially dry on the vine before harvest — adds a layer of concentration and complexity that standard Primitivo bottlings rarely achieve. Combined with the ancient Alberello bush-vine training and six months of French oak maturation, the result is a wine that bridges the gap between everyday Southern Italian reds and the premium appassito category. For anyone drawn to bold, fruit-rich Italian wines, this Salento expression delivers measurable critical acclaim at a fraction of what comparable styles demand.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Masso Antico","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44839484555433,"sku":"40162","price":8.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0680\/1024\/6313\/files\/cantine-di-ora-masso-antico-primitivo-2021-italy__48137.png?v=1730522010"}],"url":"https:\/\/theliquorbarn.com\/collections\/masso-antico.oembed","provider":"The Liquor Barn","version":"1.0","type":"link"}