Susumaniello

Also known as Sussumaniello, Somarello.

Susumaniello is a red wine grape native to the province of Brindisi in Puglia, now enjoying a strong revival after decades of near-neglect. Its name is usually linked to 'somarello' (little donkey), a reference to the heavy loads of fruit the young vines carry — productivity that drops markedly as the vine ages, so old-vine Susumaniello is prized and scarce.

Susumaniello gives deeply colored reds with ripe red- and black-fruit and spice character and good structure, and is also made as a fresh rosato and sparkling. Long used as a blending grape in the Brindisi area, it is increasingly bottled on its own.