San Marzano Susco is a unique, deeply velvety, and distinctive red wine produced in the sun-soaked peninsula of Salento, Apulia, Southern Italy. Cantine San Marzano, founded in 1962 by sixty vine growers, is celebrated for revitalising native Apulian grape varieties. Susco derives its name from the local dialect word for shy or timid, reflecting the rare Susumaniello grape's historically low yields when mature. Grown in mineral-rich red soils, this rare single-varietal bottling presents a captivating fusion of dark berry intensity, aromatic spice, and silky smoothness.

Why You'll Love It

This wine stands out for its vibrant fruit concentration, supple tannins, and striking aromatic complexity. Grown in iron-rich terra rossa soils over limestone bedrock, the vines thrive under intense Mediterranean sunshine tempered by cool breezes from the Adriatic and Ionian Seas. Matured in French and American oak barrels, it offers an irresistible bouquet of ripe marasca cherries, wild blackberries, dark plum jam, cocoa, and subtle spicy Mediterranean herbs, presenting a sophisticated and modern expression of Apulian viticulture.

Vineyard & Production

The Susumaniello grapes are hand-harvested from select, low-yielding vineyards in San Marzano and Salento. Upon arrival at the winery, the fruit is destemmed, crushed, and subjected to cold pre-fermentation maceration to extract pure aromatics and vivid colour. Fermentation takes place in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks using selected yeasts. Following malolactic fermentation, the wine matures for six months in French and American oak barrels to round out its tannic structure and impart delicate sweet spice nuances prior to bottling.

Tasting Notes

In the glass, it displays a deep ruby-red colour with vivid violet reflections. The nose is rich, elegant, and expressive, opening with intense aromas of dark cherries, ripe plums, and wild blueberries, beautifully accented by notes of red liquorice, dark chocolate, clove spice, and crushed graphite minerality. On the palate, it is full-bodied, smooth, and supple, delivering concentrated black fruit flavours supported by soft, velvety tannins and a gentle thread of acidity that leads to a long, satisfying finish.

Perfect Pairings

With its generous fruit depth, warm spice notes, and rounded tannin structure, this Apulian red is a magnificent partner for hearty, savoury dishes. It pairs magnificently with slow-roasted pork belly, orecchiette pasta with lamb ragù, grilled sausages, and braised beef shanks. It is also an excellent match for wood-fired meat pizzas, aubergine parmigiana, and mature cheeses like Pecorino Pugliese or Caciocavallo.

Grape Varieties

100% Susumaniello

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