.png)
Susumaniello 'Verso Sud' Puglia IGP
Puglia, Italy
Susumaniello is one of Puglia’s rediscovered treasures—deep in colour, rustic in charm and bursting with dark fruit and earthy spice. ‘Verso Sud’ is crafted from organically farmed vines near the Adriatic coast, fermented in stainless steel to retain vibrancy. Aromas of blackcurrant, wild herbs, licorice and black olive rise from the glass. The palate is structured and juicy, with coarse tannins and a savoury, almost meaty finish. There’s great tension and freshness, making it an ideal food wine. Try with grilled lamb, spicy sausage or rich vegetable dishes. A wine of personality, grip and authenticity.
.png)
The Producer
A Latin pastinum was a hoe and, by derivation, a place where vines grew. Which rather makes one wonder why more wineries don’t have this name. But I digress. The Pástini vineyards comprise 15 hectares managed by the Carparelli family. They make wines from the ancient grape varieties found in the Valle d’Itria, whose winemaking history dates back to before Roman times when the Greeks first landed here 3000 years ago.
Locorotondo DOC is a blend of Verdeca, Bianca d’Alessano and Minutolo: a lemony and surprisingly zesty white given the summer temperatures here. Minutolo ‘Rampone’ is a step up, a wine full of grapey, slightly Muscat fruit with tarragon and coriander notes, from an ancient, indigenous grape variety rescued from extinction in 2000. The ‘Macramé’ is a textbook Primitivo that sources hot-climate Taranto fruit with a dollop of red cherry and spice from the Carparelli’s own vinyards. Susumaniello, from the grape of the same name, is an indigenous vine that at some point was the result of Garganega meeting a table grape called Uva Sogra. It’s a tarry, sooty, sweetly ripe red that works a treat with grilled meat.
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
