Tormaresca Launching 100% Primitivo in U.S. Market: Officially Available at Retail Stores Nationally Beginning September 1

Woodinville, Wash.

In Southern Italy’s historic Puglia region, winemaking has been a vital part of life for over 3,000 years. Tormaresca is leading Puglia’s modern wine renaissance, creating wines of exceptional depth and character from indigenous grape varieties. Tormaresca is officially releasing a new 100% Primitivo that will be available on shelves nationally beginning on September 1.

With its bold, black label depicting a metallic bronze sun inspired by the transition of Southern Italy’s hot summer days into warm seaside evenings, the Tormaresca Primitivo will appeal to wine lovers seeking new wine discoveries. These consumers will be drawn to Primitivo’s shared heritage with Zinfandel and the wine’s southern Italian roots. Puglia is a long-time favorite of Italians vacationing in Southern Italy enjoying the beautiful beaches, fresh seafood and late nights in ancient seaside and hilltop towns.

The 2012 Tormaresca Primitivo Puglia IGT is a 100% Primitivo sourced exclusively from the winery’s Masseria Maime estate. Made in a modern style, this Primitivo offers fruit-driven aromas and flavors of black cherry and blueberry with a hint of licorice. It is well-structured with soft tannings and a lingering finish. (Suggested retail price $13.99)

The grapes were picked at peak ripeness and fermented separately in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks. The maceration period, at temperatures held to a maximum of 82°F lasted for about 8-10 days. The malolactic fermentation was completed by the end of the winter. The wine was aged for 8 months in stainless steel, followed by an additional 4 months in bottle.

Tormaresca Background: The Antinori family built Tormaresca in 1998 with the goal of creating wines that would be the finest expression of Apulian viticulture. By investing in the region, the family hopes to reacquaint the world with the quality, integrity and consistency of the wines of Puglia, emphasizing the strength of the grape varieties that grow naturally there. Blending technological innovation with centuries-old vinification techniques, Tormaresca is leading the winemaking renaissance in Puglia.

Tormaresca is exclusively imported into the U.S. by Ste. Michelle Wine Estates, Ltd., Woodinville, WA 98072 www.tormaresca.it

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For further information:
Jennifer J. Scott
425.415.3359
Jennifer.J.Scott@smwe.com