The Susumaniello grape is an exquisite ancient grape variety native to the Puglia region, the "heel" of Italy's boot. Not as well-known as other Italian grapes, Susumaniello has made a remarkable comeback from near extinction in the past few years, owing to dedicated winemakers in Puglia who have recognised its potential.
Deeply coloured and rich in beneficial antioxidants, Susumaniello produces wines of robust character. The flavours are typically bold and concentrated, with a delightful mix of red fruits, cherries and spicy notes, and sometimes a hint of tobacco and leather. Due to its high tannin content, it yields wines that have the ability to age well.
Characteristically, Susumaniello vines are incredibly generous in their younger years, yielding a highly prolific crop - the name ‘Susumaniello’ comes from the Italian ‘somarello’ or ‘little donkey’, a nod towards this hardworking, load-bearing character. As the vine ages, production levels drop dramatically, yet the quality of the remaining fruit improves immensely. This late maturity results in wines with excellent structure, complexity and depth.
Traditionally, Susumaniello was used as a blending grape, often mixed with Negroamaro to create red wines of significant colour and strength. However, the grape's renaissance has seen it star in its own right, with mono-varietal Susumaniello wines now highly sought after. These wines are an indulgence to the senses; deeply red in colour, exceptionally aromatic, and alluringly full-bodied.
To explore the beauty of Italian viticulture, delving into a bottle of Susumaniello offers an intriguing and rewarding experience. Its journey from near extinction to its current resurgence tells a tale of the determination and love for winemaking deeply embedded in the Puglian region of Southern Italy. With each sip, you can taste a rich pedigree that goes back thousands of years and a passion for the revival of remarkable and high-quality grape varieties.
Buy Susumaniello wine below.
