A Mano PRIMA MANO Primitivo di Puglia

100% Primitivo showing incredible depth of colour this vintage, with perfumes of spicy, ripe, black cherries and a hint of liquorice on the nose. On the palate it is full-bodied while retaining a good balance between opulent fruit and elegant structure. A Mano Primitivo was first made in 1998. Mark Shannon and Elvezia Sbalchiero, the duo behind A Mano, have worked in the wine business for most of their lives. Elvezia is a northern Italian winemarketing expert and Mark is a Californian winemaker. They knew right from the start that they wanted their wine to be a concentrated, dark coloured, full-bodied wine made from Primitivo. A Mano comes from the heart of the Primitivo area, in the low hills east of Taranto in Puglia. The region is an old sea-bed, full of fossilised clams, oysters and sea-urchins. The altitude here is approximately 30-60 metres above sea level and annual rainfall is 35 cms. Puglia is a pensinsula between the Adriatic and Ionian seas so the climate is classically Mediterranean. The Primitivo vines are quite old; most are the original plantings after phylloxera and range from 70-100 years old. As with most vineyards planted at that time they are small bush vines, called "alberello" and are non-irrigated. The average Primitivo vineyard is quite small, less than half a hectare. The grapes are hand-picked. (12 x 75 cl)

With deep colour, ripe brambly fruit on the nose and a rich, rounded fruit on the palate that is more reminiscent of Aussie Shiraz. A short maceration on the skins, the wine was aged in French oak to round it out and give it a measure of elegance.

Hand-crafted Primitivo, the rich deep flavours go on and on. (12 x 75 cl)

Mark Shannon and Elvezia Sbalchiero, the duo behind Puglia's A Mano, have worked in the wine business for most of their lives. Elvezia is a northern Italian wine-marketing expert and Mark is Californian winemaker. They fell in love with Puglia, and when they decided to start their own brand, made it their home. Puglia has always been known for its Rosati so it was no surprise when Mark and Elvezia turned their attention to this style. The Rose is dry and perfumed, with more zip and freshness than most southern Italian rosati. Mark strikes a delicious balance between a muscular and textured style made from this classic southern grape variety (12 x 75 cl)

Lovely white from the renowned partnership of winemakers Mark Shannon and Elvezia Sbalchiero in Puglia. Mark discovered this vineyard growing Fiano and Greco di Tufo and the result is a crisp, fresh aromatic white. The Fiano gives the wine a peachy citrus character and the Greco adds body and structure. (12 x 75 cl)

Lovely white from the renowned partnership of winemakers Mark Shannon and Elvezia Sbalchiero in Puglia. Mark discovered this vineyard growing Fiano and Greco di Tufo and the result is a crisp, fresh aromatic white. The Fiano gives the wine a peachy citrus character and the Greco adds body and structure. (12 x 75 cl)

Ognissole Primitivo di Manduria DOC Puglia from Italy, Apulia, Primitivo di manduria by Feudi di San Gregorio Sorbo Serpigo Irpinia

Ruby red to violet in colour with vinous,dryish and spicy bouquet. (6 x 75 cl)

Rigorous selection of mature grapes in a great vintage are then stored in big traditional oak vats for five years the result is this very fine example with its bouquet and aromas denoting a superb concentration finishing on soft and smooth tannin . Torricelle takes its name from the towers one sees all over the ionic coast, where they were built as watch tower to forewarn of Turkish and Saracen invaders. The Rocca family have been in the wine trade since 1880 when Vinicola Rocca was formed. The company has grown over 4 generations as a result of its passion and dedication to producing quality wines. (6 x 75 cl)