This is a wine of purple-red colour with a bouquet of cherry and plum with hints of liquorice and tobacco. The palate is one of ripe cherries and plum-skins, forward fruit is followed by smooth tannins and gentle acidity. Hand-made (A Mano!) by a Californian, working with a grape which performs equally well in his home country and known as Zinfandel.
Price per bottle £6.45
Wine type Still Red Country Italy Region Puglia Drink before end 2007 Vintage 2002 Grape Primitivo Ideal food Chorizo, Meat Pasta Dishes Bottle size 75cl Code 310561
A Mano This business in Puglia is wholly owned by Californian wine-maker, Mark Shannon and his partner Elevezia Sbalchiero – the name A Mano means by hand, which is definitely the style here. The success of the wine, which has truly been astonishing, is down to the couple themselves who buy in the grapes, only from the very best vineyards. Growers have come to realise that for Mark to buy their fruit at the higher prices he offers, the grapes they provide must be of an even higher quality than in previous years. Mark’s creativity and enthusiasm for the Primitivo grape have made his modern style, handcrafted wines from old vines, much sought after throughout the world.