San Marzano 'Susco' Susumaniello Salento IGT 2020
The San Marzano 'Susco' is a red wine made from the Susumaniello grape, a variety indigenous to Puglia in Southern Italy, which historically was mostly used for blending with Negroamaro and Malvasia. Having fallen out of fashion, the Susumaniello grape was almost endangered; however, modern single varietal wines are showcasing the excellent potential of this variety. The name ‘Susumaniello’ derives from ‘somarello’, diminutive of ‘somaro’, which translates as donkey in Italian, referring to the tendency of the vines to produce high yields when young, somewhat like an overloaded donkey. However, once the plants mature, they drastically reduce their yield. Rich in phenolics and anthocyanin's, naturally high acidity and structured tannins, Susumaniello is really coming into its own. Matured in French and American oak for 6 months this is an intriguing Susumaniello, with floral notes, red berried fruit and spicy balsamic nuances interwoven through a finely textured and elegant palate.
