A Mano Imprint Susumaniello

Mark Shannon and his partner Elvezia Sbalchiero have revolutionised the style and calibre of Primitivo, turning it into one of Puglia’s most talked about grape varieties. They achieved this at A Mano, in Salento, by paying fair, high prices for the best possible grapes (sourced from 70 to 100-year-old vines) and focusing exclusively on quality, while crafting a modern style. As the old saying goes, where you lead others will follow.

The continued success of A Mano is at least partly attributable to the knowledge that Mark and Elvezia have gleaned from over 18 vintages in Puglia. Not only do they have access to Salento’s best grapes, but their growers have also realised that if they want the higher price paid by A Mano, they need to provide quality to match.

A rare wine made from 100% Susumaniello, an ancient grape from Salento traditionally used as a blending component. The name means “Little Donkey” the local dialect, referring to the vines being difficult to manage, almost stubborn.

Vineyards

The grapes are grown in vineyards located in the Salento peninsula of Puglia. A rare and ancient red Puglian variety, Susumaniello was used mostly as a blending component until a few years ago. The name means ‘little donkey’ in local dialect, from the enormous load the vines bear when young, although others say that it is so called because it is stubborn and difficult to manage. The sandy vineyards are high up on the hillside, dry farmed and are over 30 years old.

Vinification

The Susumaniello grapes were rigorously sorted to ensure only those in pristine condition were vinified. Once at the winery, they were sorted again and cold fermented in stainless-steel tanks with very gentle pump-overs, to avoid over-extraction of the aggressive tannins characteristic of this variety. Post fermentation, the final blend was bottled without fining.

Tasting Notes

The rare and ancient red Puglian variety, Susumaniello was used mostly as a blending component until a few years ago. The name means ‘little donkey’ in the local dialect, referring to the enormous load the vines bear when young. Others argue the name derives from it being stubborn and difficult to manage. The wine is deep, inky purple and full-bodied with intense aromas of blackberry and violets.

Deep, inky purple-black in colour, this wine has intense aromas of blackberry, blueberry and chocolate, supported by notes of violets, blossom and Mediterranean herbs. This is a full-bodied and well-structured wine with powerful yet fine tannins. A fantastic freshness carries through the persistent finish.