Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1544021
6 COMMERCIAL maltatoday | SUNDAY • 22 MARCH 2026 Marsovin releases Primus Vintage 2024 MARSOVIN Cellars proudly announces the release of Prim- us Vintage 2024, the latest vin- tage of its flagship wine and a continued celebration of Malta's indigenous Ġellewża grape. The 2024 vintage represents another important milestone in the win- ery's commitment to elevating local varieties to premium inter- national standards. Primus 2024 is produced from carefully cultivated Ġellewża grapes grown on 30-year-old vines in Mġarr, complement- ed by Shiraz from vineyards in Siġġiewi. Harvested at optimal ripeness, the grapes undergo a meticulous winemaking process designed to preserve their natu- ral character and reflect the dis- tinct Maltese terroir. The result is a wine of remarkable concen- tration, structure and depth. The story of Primus began in 2006 when Marsovin embarked on an ambitious project to cre- ate 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 classifica- tion. Inspired by the tradition- al Amarone della Valpolicella method, the process involves sun-drying the grapes after har- vest to intensify aromas, sugars and natural acidity. 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 typ- ically ranging between 25°C and 35°C, the drying process lasts ap- proximately 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 stain- less-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. classifica- tion, 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 col- our with pronounced tears in the glass. The nose reveals in- tense 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 struc- tured, finishing with a pleasant off-dry character. This distinctive wine pairs beautifully with beef, game and hearty stews, as well as strong- ly flavoured aged cheeses such as Provolone Piccante, artisanal Pecorino Romano, Gorgonzola Naturale and Parmigiano Reg- giano. Primus remains the first premi- um Maltese wine produced from Ġellewża and continues to set the benchmark for the indigenous variety. By embracing tradition- al drying techniques and careful winemaking, Marsovin has cre- ated a flagship wine that demon- strates the remarkable potential of Malta's native grapes. Availability Primus Vintage 2024 is availa- ble at www.marsovinwinery.com and at leading retail and restau- rant outlets across Malta. Atlas Insurance pauses for Employee Appreciation Day event ATLAS Insurance marked Employee Appreciation Day, continuing its long-standing tradition of taking a pause to recognise the people who shape the organisation every day. Observed annually, the day serves as a moment for the company to step back from its usual pace and acknowledge the collective effort that un- derpins its operations. While the occasion itself was a simple one, it reflects a broader un- derstanding within Atlas Insur- ance, that its strength lies not only in what it delivers, but in the people behind it. It is less about a single event and more about reinforcing values that guide TeamAtlas throughout the year. To mark the occasion, Atlas closed its offices for part of the day, allowing employees to step away from their desks and share a meal together, with a num- ber of small touches planned throughout. A burger bar was prepared and served by members of the man- agement team, who also took care of the setup and clearing away, creating a relaxed and in- formal setting that encouraged colleagues to connect in a dif- ferent way. Employees were also given the opportunity to choose a gift, with options ranging from arti- sanal food and drink to wellness products and books. Thought- fully selected, these items re- flected themes of wellbeing, comfort and personal time, of- fering employees a chance to pause and enjoy something for themselves. The initiative was met with a positive response, with many employees welcoming the op- portunity to come together, share a meal and spend time with colleagues outside of their day-to-day responsibilities. The informal nature of the event al- lowed for conversations to take place more freely, reinforcing a sense of connection across teams. Matthew von Brockdorff, Managing Director and CEO of Atlas Insurance, comment- ed on the initiative: "It was very rewarding to see the Atlas team come together in an informal way and enjoy some time with one another. There was a re- al sense of ease throughout the day, and it was nice to see everyone simply having fun. F or us as a management team, it also provided an opportunity to show appreciation to Tea- mAtlas for the effort that goes into the work we do every day. It reflects something that re- mains important to us through- out the year: valuing people, not just for what they do, but for who they are." The initiative forms part of Atlas' broader approach to creating a supportive and peo- ple-focused workplace, where emphasis is placed on wellbe- ing, open communication and continuous development.