This is for all of you that would like to try something different in the wine world without going out on a limb. When is the last time you tried a wine made from the Susumaniello grape? This rare grape is mostly grown in the Puglia region of Italy and almost exclusively in the Salice Salentino DOC. In fact it is one of the rarest grapes in the world. One of its parents is the white grape Garganega. The name Susumaniello is derived from Somarello meaning donkey. Evidently this is a high-yielding grape that can bear a heavy load of clusters. All very interesting of course, but what about the wine that is produced from this rare grape? My pick for October is a stellar example of what this grape can do.
October Pick
Aromas of blackberries, beets, tobacco and licorice along with a hit of tar and vanilla. Blackberries all day on the palate with chocolate notes hiding underneath. Balanced acidity gives it nice structure and a lift in the mouth. Tobacco notes join up on the finish with a solid kiss of blueberries and minerals. Mineral notes linger on the back-end. A solid wine that new world wine lovers can warm up to. This baby will age up to five years easily and at this price you might be able to store a couple away without too much pain. (B/B+)
Cheers!
Stan The Wine Man
