Ask Decanter
Each month our experts answer your burning wine questions. Email your queries to editor@decanter.com
SOUTHERN SPECIALITY
What is Susumaniello?
Caroline Marshall, by email
Marisa Finetti, Decanter writer, replies: Susumaniello is an ancient and wellregarded red blending grape native to Puglia. While still considered rare, it’s enjoying a surge in popularity due to renewed interest in obscure and indigenous Italian grape varieties. Concentrated in Salento, particularly in the Brindisi area, Susumaniello was historically made as a sweet wine, then as a blending wine, reaching its peak during the 1970s. The grape’s name is derived from the word for ‘donkey’, believed to be a reference to its high productivity, as in ‘loading up the donkey’. However, after 10-15 years, its vigour drops drastically, which led to a corresponding drop in its reputation, leading to its near demise.
Today, passionate producers are pushing Susumaniello towards its greatest revitalisation. Previously used almost exclusively as a blending partner, Susumaniello is stepping into the solo spotlight. Its versatility spans ageable red wines, bright and fruity rosatos, and lively sparkling wines.
Bu hikaye Decanter dergisinin April 2024 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Giriş Yap
Bu hikaye Decanter dergisinin April 2024 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Giriş Yap
Wine wisdom
Our regular learning section helps you get more from your glass
Around ABRUZZO
A stunning, under-explored, year-round destination with an extraordinary natural setting, Abruzzo’s appeal lies in its rustic villages and a sunny-natured, hospitable local character
UMBRIA A wine lover's guide
In the heart of Italy lies an undulating landscape dotted with hilltop villages and draped with olive groves, where winemakers are breathing new life into long-neglected indigenous grape varieties
Lessons in LAMBRUSCO
Coming from the same region of northern Italy as some of the world’s most famous names in food, the wide range of Lambrusco wines provide ample scope for complementing meals both local and international, while refreshing the palate, too
Sustainable cocktails THE FUTURE?
In every industry, it's pretty much the hottest topic right now, but what does the S-word mean when it comes to cocktail-making? Leading experts give us their take and share eco-conscious recipes to replicate at home
VENTOUX AOC The rising star of the Rhône
The Southern Rhone appellation is emerging as a community-led force of innovation and sustainability.
Polkadraai Hills
This lesser-known corner of South Africa’s Stellenbosch region is starting to turn heads, thanks to its special soils and a close-knit community of talented young winemakers
BY FARR
The enigmatic Nick Farr, of Australia's celebrated By Farr winery, is famously reluctant to entertain the wine media or submit samples for tasting. So we jumped at an opportunity to visit the family estate in Geelong to taste some of the country's most sought-after Chardonnay and Pinot Noir
Brunello di Montalcino 2019: 30 picks from a 5-star vintage
It's a vintage to bring cheer to Tuscany lovers' hearts, and the first of what is being billed as a strong run of three to come. The successful 2019 Brunello wines offer richness, balance and immediate appeal while also managing to avoid excess
Brunello di Montalcino 2019
It's a vintage to bring cheer to Tuscany lovers' hearts, and the first of what is being billed as a strong run of three to come. The successful 2019 Brunello wines offer richness, balance and immediate appeal while also managing to avoid excess
