THE AREA

The Masseria Altemura is located in the heart of the Salentine peninsula, an extension of Apulia that separates two seas, the Adriatic and the Ionian. The benefits conferred by that position are unique since the estate is able to exploit the maritime climate of two coasts. In addition, the remarkably intense luminosity represents a further favorable characteristic for the cultivation of vines.

THE ESTATE

Owned since 2000 by the Zonin family, the Masseria Altemura estate currently covers an area of 260 hectares (642 acres) and incorporates two preceding properties, Palombara and Monteverde. It is situated in the Agro (agricultural zone) of Torre Santa Susanna, an ancient settlement founded by the Messapi. A cellar for vinification and maturation, completed in 2006, is an authentic gem of architecture and cutting-edge technology perfectly integrated into the environment.

CLIMATE AND SOIL

The climate has a Mediterranean character with mild weather in winter and hot summers. The average annual temperature varies between 17 and 19 degrees Celsius (63-66° F.). August is the hottest month with average readings of 25 to 27 degrees Celsius. Average rainfall in the zone measures around 400-500 millimeters annually with precipitation concentrated primarily in winter months. The soils originating from the limestone of the Salento. They developed between the Pliocene and Pleistocene epochs and are calcareous and moderately deep. The texture is loose and clayish, which provides an excellent substratum for the cultivation of vines. At a medium depth, there are calcareous layers that in Apulian dialect are called "scapatizze". The terrains cultivated on the Masseria consist of a mixture of these finely ground calcareous stones and clays.

THE VINEYARDS

The vine-growing surface currently amounts to 82 hectares; however, the final plan calls for the planting of vineyards on a total of 150 hectares. Masseria Altemura is located in the center of the Primitivo di Manduria DOC zone. Its wines can also be marketed under the IGT Salento label.

CULTIVATION TECHNIQUES

The planting density in the vineyards, which are true jewels of modern viticulture, is 5,550 vines per hectare (2,247 an acre). The vineyards are trained in the bilateral Guyot system, an arrangement that offers the vines an ideal physiological equilibrium and permits optimal exposure and complete ripening of the clusters.

GRAPE VARIETIES AND WINES

The estate intends to bring out the quality of the different native Apulian varieties by underlining the historical-and cultural heritage of the territory. The varieties cultivated are Negroamaro, Primitivo di Manduria, Fiano, Sussumaniello and Aglianico.