Marsovin recently launched the 2011 vintage of its boutique wine Primus at the Marsovin cellars in Marsa.

The wine was launched by Marsovin director Jeremy Cassar in the presence of Marsovin clients, ClubMarsovin members and guests.

Now in its third vintage, Primus has established itself as one of Malta’s top wines. It is produced from the indigenous grape variety Ġellewża.

Mr Cassar said: “Primus wine proves that when Ġellewża is dried after harvesting, it can produce a wine of significant character and body. I strongly believe that with this wine, the Maltese and foreign consumer have a brand they can be proud of and can call a flagship of Maltese wine.”

The process of Primus, the first Imqadded ta’ Malta wine, is similar to that of an Amarone Della Valpolicella, except that the grapes are sun-dried after harvest rather than cold-dried.

They are hand pricked as they reach full ripeness in September, after which they are left untouched in crates to sun-dry on the winery.

During this time, the grapes are naturally dehydrated by the elements, adding to the concentration of aromas, sugars and acids in the juice. Temperatures in September are between 25°C and 35°C, so the drying period is relatively short, ranging between two and three weeks, depending on the variety.

The Syrah generally dries faster than the Ġellewża due to the difference in size and thickness of the grape and grape skins.

Marsovin was recently awarded two silver medals after submitting Primus and Ġuze Passito wines to the international wine competition Cinve 2012, which took place in the Spanish town of Valladolid.

Ġuże is a complex, sweet red wine produced from carefully hand-picked shiraz grapes from selected vineyards in Malta.

For more information call Marsovin Cellars on 2366 2445, 2366 2401 or send an e-mail to cellars@marsovin.com.mt.