The Susumaniello grape

History And Origin

Susumaniello is an ancient grape variety from the Puglia region, which forms the “heel” of Italy’s boot. Its name translates to “little black donkey,” likely referring to its heavy grape clusters that weigh down the vines.

The origins of Susumaniello are surrounded by several theories. It is believed to have arrived in Apulia from across the Adriatic Sea, possibly from Greece or the Dalmatian coast of Croatia. Research indicates that it is a natural cross between an Apulian table grape and the white-wine grape Garganega, which was initially thought to have Greek roots.

This grape is primarily found in Brindisi and the southern part of Bari. Known by several names like Somarello Nero and Zingariello, it has long been a staple of Apulian winemaking. Initially, Susumaniello was used mainly for blending with other grape varieties but has since gained recognition for producing stand-alone wines.

The historical importance of the grape is notable as it played a crucial role in sustaining local winemaking traditions. Today, it is still cherished, with its unique characteristics attracting renewed interest from wine enthusiasts around the world.

Viticulture

Susumaniello is a unique grape primarily grown in the Puglia region of Italy. This area, known for its sunny weather and rich soil, provides ideal conditions for the grape to thrive. The name Susumaniello means “little black donkey,” likely due to the heavy grape clusters that weigh down the vine.

The Susumaniello grape was traditionally less popular but has seen renewed interest. In years past, it was commonly used as a blending grape in wines, but now it is gaining recognition as a standalone variety.

The grape is cultivated mostly in the Salice Salento and Brindisi regions. It is known for its high yields and rich, intense colour. Modern viticultural techniques help in managing vine productivity, which includes controlling yield sizes to improve grape quality.

Cultivation Characteristics:

• Climate: Thrives in hot and dry conditions.
• Soil: Prefers diverse soil types, well-suited to the Puglian terrain.
• Growth: Vigorous, requires careful management to prevent overproduction.

Today, advances in winemaking allow for a more refined approach to growing Susumaniello. Vineyard owners use gentle techniques to enhance the natural qualities of the grape. The popularity of this rare grape is growing, as more winemakers explore its potential in producing distinctive red wines. Susumaniello is a key component in Apulian winemaking, contributing to both red and rosé varieties with its robust flavour and structure.

Wine Characteristics

Susumaniello wines are notable for their deep ruby colour and intense flavours. These wines can range from red to rosé, showing versatility in style.

The aroma profile often includes red berries and plums, giving the wine a fruity character. Some richer versions also exhibit spicy, peppery notes along with hints of dark chocolate.

In terms of texture, Susumaniello wines are often well-structured and full-bodied. The wines tend to have a good balance between acidity and tannins, making them age well in bottles.

The grape clusters are large, with small, densely bloomed berries. This unique structure adds to the wine’s complexity and richness.

Key Characteristics:

• Color: Deep ruby
• Aromas: Red berries, plums, spices
• Flavors: Dark chocolate, pepper
• Structure: Full-bodied, balanced acidity and tannins

These wines often hail from the Puglia region in Italy and are sometimes blended with Negroamaro for added depth and flavour. Susumaniello also stands alone as a red variety in the Salice Salento area, experiencing a surge in popularity.

Key Regions

Susumaniello is a red grape variety primarily found in the Apulia region of southern Italy. Here, it’s largely cultivated in the Salice Salento area, which is known for its wine production. The grape is also grown in the small province of Brindisi, making this area a key location for Susumaniello vineyards.

The grape’s presence extends to the southern part of Bari, where it thrives in the warm Mediterranean climate. The areas surrounding these key regions play a significant role in producing intense and well-structured wines.

These locations are particularly significant, as the grape had previously fallen out of favor until renewed interest emerged. Today, Apulian winemakers are investing in the reevaluation of Susumaniello, highlighting its potential in creating high-quality wines.

In recent years, the grape has been included in the list of approved varieties for cultivation in central Murgia. This action has contributed to its minor surge in popularity, especially among those who have a passion for rare grape varieties.

Susumaniello’s production is limited, contributing to its rarity among the world’s wine grapes. The combination of unique geographic conditions in these key regions ensures the wine has distinctive characteristics that appeal to wine enthusiasts looking for something novel.

Wine Styles

Susumaniello, a grape from Puglia, is used to make both red and rosé wines. It is often blended with Negroamaro to enhance its profile.

Red Susumaniello Wine:

• Deep ruby colour
• Aromas of red berries and plums
• Flavors of dark chocolate with spicy, peppery notes

The wine offers a rich and structured taste that suits spicy dishes.

Rosé Susumaniello Wine:

• Light, fresh flavour
• Floral and fruity aromas

These characteristics make it a refreshing choice for warm weather or light meals.

Harvest time impacts the flavours, as seen in Tenute Rubino’s Torre Testa, a complex and elegant wine. This aspect adds diversity to Susumaniello wines, allowing winemakers to create unique profiles.

Susumaniello’s increasing popularity is due to its versatile flavours and the exquisite wines it produces. Its ability to stand alone as well as blend harmoniously adds to the appeal among wine enthusiasts.

Food Pairing

Susumaniello wines are versatile and offer a variety of pairing options. These wines, known for their structure and tannins, work especially well with grilled dishes. Grilled meats such as brisket and smoked options highlight the wine’s bold flavours.

For those who enjoy Italian dishes, try pairing Susumaniello with veal featuring tuna sauce. The rich, savory flavours of the meat complement the wine’s intensity, creating a delightful dining experience.

When opting for a lighter meal, consider Susumaniello rosé. It pairs well with seafood like calamari or shrimp. The wine’s crisp and refreshing notes balance the delicate flavours of the seafood.

For an appetizer or light snack, a plate of cured meats or cheeses works well. Hard cheeses and charcuterie enhance the full-bodied notes of Susumaniello, making it a great choice for a casual setting.

Summary of Pairings:

By making thoughtful selections, anyone can enjoy the complex flavours of Susumaniello wine with their meals. Whether dining alone or with company, these pairings ensure a satisfying experience.

Notable Wines And Tasting Notes

Susumaniello is an intriguing grape variety that produces some exceptional wines. These wines are known for their rich colour and intense flavour profile.

D’Addario Wines

The D’Addario range features wines priced between $27 and $40. Their lineup includes a highly praised Primitivo, which showcases the depth and complexity possible with Susumaniello grapes. This wine delivers a balanced experience with a remarkable finish.

Askos by Masseria Li Veli

The Askos Susumaniello 2022 is a standout choice. Praised for its notes of black pepper and berries, this wine offers a fresh and juicy palate. It comes from vineyards primarily used for red grapes near Cellino San Marco.

Tenute Rubino Rosé

Tenute Rubino offers a delightful rosé made from Susumaniello grapes. It features a harmonious blend of fruit flavours, and with a modest alcohol content of 12.5%, it is both refreshing and versatile. This wine ranks highly on tasting scales.

Characteristics to Enjoy

Susumaniello wines are often well-structured, boasting intense colour and compelling flavours. They are used in red wines, rosés, and even some sparklings. Their ability to carry tannins and aromas makes them versatile and appealing for various tastes.

These wines, whether enjoyed on their own or paired with a meal, showcase the potential of the Susumaniello grape. For more information on Susumaniello and its notable wines, consider exploring detailed guides such as the Susumaniello wine guide.

Current Trends And Future Outlook

Susumaniello grapes are gaining attention in the world of wine. Traditionally used as a blending grape, this variety is now being recognized for its unique qualities and potential to stand alone in wine production. This shift is leading to increased interest in producing 100% Susumaniello wines.

Winemakers in Puglia, Italy, are exploring innovative techniques to enhance the grape’s natural characteristics. Limited production, combined with modern winemaking methods, has led to wines with intense colour and rich flavours. As more vineyards start growing Susumaniello, availability is expected to rise.

The grape’s ability to adapt and thrive in warm climates makes it suited for regions similar to Puglia. This flexibility provides opportunities for expansion into new wine markets. Recognized for its rarity, the grape is becoming a point of interest for wine enthusiasts seeking unique experiences.

As winemakers focus on the unique qualities of Susumaniello, it may play a greater role in both local and international markets. The rise in popularity suggests a promising future for this ancient grape variety, encouraging continued investment and innovation in its cultivation and winemaking techniques.

For more on Susumaniello’s resurgence, learn about the efforts by Rubino in cultivating and refining this grape. The increasing popularity of the grape can also be explored through modern winemaking techniques employed by the Falvos.