A Mano, Susumaniello 2019 Bari, Puglia,

PRODUCER Mark Shannon and Elvezia Sbalchiero, the duo behind A Mano, have worked in the business for most of their lives. Elvezia is a northern marketing expert and Mark is a Californian winemaker. They fell in love with Puglia and, when they decided to start their own label, made it their home. By producing high quality , Mark and Elvezia have succeeded in making Primitivo one of Italy's most talked about varieties. They pay high prices for the best from 70-100 year old vines and focus solely on quality and a modern style.

VINEYARDS The grapes are grown in 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.

VINTAGE 2019 was a difficult in Puglia. There were unseasonally cold temperatures in May and early June, followed by heavy rains in July that slowed ripening. Experienced management was required to decide how and when to intervene in the vineyards. Thanks to hard work throughout the growing season A Mano produced excellent fruit in the 2019 .

VINIFICATION Grapes were carefully selected in the vineyards. Upon arrival at the , the grapes were sorted and cold fermented in 220HL stainless steel tanks. Pump-overs were very gentle so as not to over -extract the aggressive tannins of this unusual variety. There was Grape Varieties 100% Susumaniello no ageing and the final blend was bottled without fining. Winemaker Mark Shannon Closure Natural Cork TASTING NOTES Deep inky purple-black in colour, this wine has intense aromas of ABV 14% blackberries, blueberries and chocolate, supported by floral notes Residual Sugar 6.5g/L of violets, blossom and hints of Mediterranean herbs. This is a full- Acidity 5.68g/L bodied and well-structured wine with powerful yet fine tannins. A Wine pH 3.57 fantastic freshness carries through the seamless finish. Bottle Sizes 75cl Notes Vegetarian, Practising Organic, Vegan