Marsovin Cellars has released Primus Vintage 2024, the latest vintage of its flagship wine and a continued celebration of Malta’s indigenous Ġellewża grape. The 2024 vintage represents another important milestone in the winery’s commitment to elevating local varieties to premium international standards, Marsovin said.
Primus 2024 is produced from carefully cultivated Ġellewża grapes grown on 30-year-old vines in Mġarr, complemented by Shiraz from vineyards in Siġġiewi. Harvested at optimal ripeness, the grapes undergo a meticulous winemaking process designed to preserve their natural character and reflect the distinct Maltese terroir. The result is a wine of “remarkable concentration, structure and depth”.
The story of Primus began in 2006 when Marsovin embarked on an ambitious project to create a premium wine from Malta’s native Ġellewża grape. Through years of experimentation, the winery developed Primus − the first wine produced under the ‘Imqadded ta’ Malta’ classification. Inspired by the traditional Amarone della Valpolicella method, the process involves sun-drying the grapes after harvest to intensify aromas, sugars and natural acidity.
“Remarkable concentration, structure and depth”
Hand-picked in September, the grapes are placed in crates on the winery roof where they dry naturally under Malta’s warm climate. With temperatures typically ranging between 25°C and 35°C, the drying process lasts approximately two to three weeks. Shiraz, which represents 40% of the blend, dries more quickly than Ġellewża due to its thinner skins.
In early October, the partially dried grapes are softly pressed and undergo slow fermentation in temperature-controlled stainless-steel tanks. Daily pump-overs ensure optimal extraction of flavour, colour and structure. The wine is then matured for 12 months in new 225-litre French oak barrels at Marsovin Cellars, allowing it to develop additional complexity and refinement.
Under the D.O.K. classification, Imqadded ta’ Malta wines are produced from grapes that are dried either on the vine or after harvest, resulting in wines with greater concentration and a minimum natural alcohol level of 13.5% vol.
Primus 2024 presents a deeply concentrated ruby-purple colour with pronounced ‘tears’ in the glass. The nose reveals intense aromas of dried fruits and amarena cherries, layered with notes of vanilla, cinnamon and nutmeg from the new French oak. The palate is rich and structured, finishing with a pleasant off-dry character.
This distinctive wine pairs beautifully with beef, game and hearty stews, as well as strongly flavoured aged cheeses such as Provolone Piccante, artisanal Pecorino Romano, Gorgonzola Naturale and Parmigiano Reggiano.
Primus remains the first premium Maltese wine produced from Ġellewża and continues to set the benchmark for the indigenous variety.
Primus Vintage 2024 is available at www.marsovinwinery.com and at leading retail and restaurant outlets across Malta.
