Masseria Li Veli "Orion" Primitivo, Salento IGT '23

Masseria Li Veli is one of the reference estates of Salento, located in the heart of Puglia at the southern end of Italy’s Adriatic coast. The estate has a long history, but it was notably acquired in the late 19th century by Marchese Antonio de Viti de Marco, an important economist and professor. He restored the crumbling masseria with the goal of creating a model wine cellar, a role it fulfilled for more than 50 years.

The modern history of the estate begins in 1999, when the former owners of Avignonesi in Tuscany purchased the 52 acres of land, including 33 hectares of vineyards. Since that time, Li Veli has become one of the most respected names in the region.

Primitivo is central to the identity of Salento, and Li Veli has been instrumental in showing that the variety can produce wines of balance and finesse, not just power. While Primitivo is often associated with richness and high alcohol, careful vineyard management and early harvesting allow the grape to retain freshness and aromatic clarity. The warm Mediterranean climate provides ripeness, while the region’s calcareous clay soils help anchor the wines with structure and natural tension.

The 2023 “Orion” Primitivo is sourced from estate vineyards and is intended as a pure, transparent expression of the variety. Fermented in stainless steel to preserve fruit character, it is aged for six months in 225-liter barriques.

Aromatically, the wine offers ripe black cherry, plum, and subtle spice, with a hint of Mediterranean herbs. On the palate, it is supple and generous, with soft tannins, bright acidity, and a clean, balanced finish. This is a terrific Chicago winter red: its generous fruit makes it easy to enjoy a glass on its own while watching Netflix, or to pair with your favorite takeout pizza.