PUGLIA

Puglia is the heel of the “boot” of italy, extending north from Otranto at the tip of the Salentine Peninsula about 100 miles along Italy’s Adriatic coast. The climate is “baked Mediterranean) basking in the bright sun year round with mild winters that allow palm trees to flourish.

Antica Masseria Jorche

A masseria is a traditional farm estate operated on feudal principles and including a main house, farm/animal outbuildings, croplands and vineyards, and olive groves. Masseria Jorche was founded towards the end of the 17th century, while Puglia was under Spanish rule as part of the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies. After the Unification of Italy, the property passed into the hands of the Barone Bardoschia, whose family held the property until the late 20th century.

The Family

The Gianfreda family has been working the vineyards of the Masseria since the early 1900’s. In 1990, Antonio and Mariella Gianfreda purchased the Masseria, at that time abandoned and with its left wing completely collapsed, from the heirs of Baron Vito Bardoscia and began a long and laborious restoration work of the complex, including the main building, the stables and the magnificent half-underground oil mill, going back to 18th century and today used as restaurant.

Now in the 5th generation, today Antonio’s daughters Dalila and Emanuela run the business (Dalila) and winemaking (Emanuela) of this superb piece of restored Italian heritage.

The Wines

Primitivo di Manduria – From 100% Primitivo of 40+ year old vines grown in the red, iron-rich, sandstone soil near Taranto. This wine is the benchmark for Primitivo of the region. What is striking about the wines of Jorche is the balance, which is exemplified in this wine especially. Creating balanced wines in a land such as Manduria is difficult, with many producers’ wines exhibiting over-ripe, sun baked characteristics, as one would expect in such a climate. 9 months in mixed oak barrique and botti grandi. Rich and delicious while maintaining great balance, this wine can be paired with rich, roasted and grilled meats, and strong aged cheeses.

Primitivo di Manduria Reserva- also 100% Primativo, selected lots of the best of the Pimrativo are aged in barrique for 12 months, then another 3 in bottle before release. Intense and perfumed, but still showing the balance characteristic of Jorche’s wines. Superb with rich meats, deeply-flavored pasta sauces, or by itself as a contemplative experience.