A Mano Imprint Susumaniello 2023

A Mano Imprint Susumaniello

Region: Puglia, Italy

Vintage: 2023

Bottle size: 75cl

Grape: Susumaniello

ABV: 13%

Notes: Vegetarian, vegan, practising organic

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.

The grapes are grown in vineyards located in the Salento area of Puglia. A rare and ancient red native variety, Susumaniello was used mostly as a blending component until a few years ago. The name means 'little donkey' in the 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.

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. Following fermentation, the final blend was bottled without fining.

Mark Shannon and his partner Elvezia Sbalchiero have succeeded in making Primitivo one of Italy’s most talked about grape varieties. By paying high prices for the best grapes (sourced from 70 to 100-year-old vines) and focussing solely on quality and a modern style, they have revolutionised the style and calibre of Primitivo. 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 the region. Not only are they getting access to Salento’s best grapes, but their growers have also come to realise that if they want the higher price paid by A Mano, they need to provide even better grapes than in previous years.