Li Briganti - Susumaniello Valle d'Itria IGP - Vini Schiena
When thinking of Puglia , everyone thinks of Negroamaro , Primitivo , Salento and Manduria. We never imagined we would be so impressed by this much lesser-known grape variety, which is experiencing a revival in Italy due to the increasing interest in old, lesser-known grape varieties.
We loved the Susumaniello from the first sip because of its medium body with fantastic aromas of dark cherries and chocolate, which we adore so much.
A beautiful, similar yet very different alternative to the powerful, full-bodied Primitivo, which was very well received by our friends on New Year's Eve 2023-2024.
- Designation: Susumaniello Puglia IGP
- Grape variety: Susumaniello
- Soil: Medium-textured, calcareous soils
- Region: Francavilla Fontana, Salento
- Harvest: Hand-picked towards the end of September, beginning of October
- Alcohol content:
- Ageing potential: 5-10 years
- Maturation in wooden barrels: No
The grapes are destemmed and fermented in stainless steel tanks at a controlled temperature of 27°C for 8-10 days, with daily pumping over. Malolactic fermentation
follows.
Aging: 6 months in stainless steel tanks and 12 months in the bottle.
Appearance
Deep ruby colour with violet tinges
Flavors
Pronounced aromas of cherries, raspberries, and hints of spices
Taste
Full and elegant body with cherry and pomegranate hints well balanced with smooth and elegant tannins.
Ideal with tasty first courses such as Orecchiette with tomato sauce, mushroom soups, as well as cured meats, soft cheeses like Provolone, roast meat, and game.
Located in the southeastern part of Italy, Puglia is known for its sunny climate, fertile soils, and extensive vineyards and olive groves, which reflect the unique terroir of this region. The wine-growing area covers more than 80,000 hectares, with approximately 80% planted with red grape varieties. Among the 28 DOC and four different DOCG zones, the most famous and popular wines are Primitivo di Manduria and Salice Salentino.
The climate is characterized by dry heat and extremely fertile soils. This results in Apulian wines that impress with their fruity ripeness. At the same time, they maintain good freshness, which is maintained by the region's special geographical location: Apulia is surrounded on three sides by the Mediterranean Sea, allowing a constant breeze to cool the vineyards—especially in summer.
(1) https://www.winetourism.com/wine-region/puglia/
Wines from Puglia are diverse, ranging from bold reds to fresh whites and remarkable dessert wines. In particular, Primitivo, Negroamaro, and Malvasia Nera are grape varieties that have gained international recognition. The wines reflect the warmth of the Mediterranean climate, often displaying ripe fruit aromas, robust structures, and a certain rustic charm.
Susumaniello is a native grape variety from Puglia, considered one of the rarest grape varieties in the world. Unlike its more famous relatives, Primitivo and Negroamaro, Susumaniello is gaining popularity as interest in unknown Italian grape varieties grows. A natural cross between a native Puglia vine and the white grape variety Garganega, Susumaniello was traditionally blended with Negroamaro to give color and structure to other wines. However, nowadays Susumaniello is increasingly being produced as a varietal wine.
Classic Susumaniello wines are known for their deep ruby color and aromas of red berries and plums. Richer, more concentrated versions exhibit spicy, peppery notes and aromas of dark chocolate. The name Susumaniello has a historical significance, derived from the word "somarello," meaning donkey. This name reflects the vine's characteristic productivity in its first 10-15 years, often producing an abundance of grape clusters, hence the expression "loaded like a donkey."
On the palate, Susumaniello wines are full-bodied with medium to high acidity and tannins, contributing to their structure and aging potential. The flavors can include blackberries, black currants, and sometimes a hint of licorice or chocolate.
The Schiena Vini project was founded in 1991 by Giuseppe Schiena, who grew up in a family of winemakers. In 1993, he acquired 30 hectares of vineyards in the picturesque landscape of Francavilla Fontana, known as the "Land of the Emperors".
The foundation for producing quality wines lies in flawless and fragrant grapes, and the company places great emphasis on the careful management of the vineyards. The vineyards are located in the north of Salento, in the area surrounding Francavilla Fontana.
The soils are medium-textured, calcareous soils with some outstanding rocks; the area benefits from an ideal microclimate for the development of colorful and fragrant grapes. Schiena's winery operates almost 360 days a year, employing eyes, hands, emotions, and heart. This extreme passion enables them to obtain healthy, fragrant grapes without the use of chemicals.
Harvesting is done exclusively and consistently by hand. The company's environmentally friendly approach is also reflected in the choice of lightweight bottles and the limited use of sulfites, underscoring their commitment to sustainable practices.
Spread across 35 hectares of vineyards, Schiena produces approximately 40,000 bottles of white and red wine annually, with their range including traditional Apulian grape varieties such as Primitivo, Negroamaro, Susumaniello, or Malvasia, with a focus on quantity rather than quality.
- Luca Maroni 2020: 94 Points (max. 99 points)
Luca Maroni is one of the most respected wine experts for Italian wines worldwide. Maroni focuses on the pleasure and drinkability of the wine, emphasizing overall enjoyability over a detailed analysis of specific characteristics.
His ratings often rely on the perceived quality of the wine and how much joy it brings to the consumer.
Luca Maroni's method:
- Wines rated 90 and above are considered excellent.
- Wines rated 80-89 are considered very good.
- Wines rated below 80 are deemed unsatisfactory.
Wines from Tresmundi: Selection, Storage, and Packaging
Food and wine are two of our greatest passions in life. They are probably among the most beautiful and diverse hobbies one can have, and we indulge in them as often as possible. That's why when we select our producers, we consider not only the taste, appearance, or awards. We look at the values, traditions, regional aspects of the producers, and above all, their passion and respect for nature and its gifts. We consider their mission, we consider their "WHY?"
We focus on small, family-run producers who work with their hands and souls, where every wine in the glass has a story to tell. You won't find their wines in the supermarket. Likewise, you won't find them in "We have 1000 wines from 1000 producers" kind of online shops. Our wines and the stories they tell are meant to be sought and discovered.
Storage
We aim to make every wine tasting a sensory experience. Therefore, proper wine storage plays a crucial role in the final quality of the product. At Tresmundi, all our wines are stored in a special wine cellar in Hamburg, with controlled temperature, humidity, and sound insulation. The wines are stored horizontally away from any light source so that the cork remains in contact with the wine, preventing oxidation over time. In this way, we support the further development of the wine in the bottle until it finally reaches your glass—the goal of its long journey from the vineyard to the bottle on your table.
Packaging and Shipping
Delivery of our wines mainly occurs in special DHL packaging for wine shipping (only for wine orders). When ordering together with other products (depending on the order), we ensure that the wines are wrapped in bubble wrap to reduce the risk of breakage as much as possible.
