A Mano Rosato di Puglia

It has supple tannins, a touch of cedariness and combines power and elegance in a most striking manner. 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. (6 x 75 cl)

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)

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)

Made from semi-dried moscato reale grapes grown in the volcanic soils of the Moscato di Trani DOC area. The wine is aged for a few months in Allier barriques; this imparts a spicy note that blends well with the classic Muscat hallmarks, creating the warm, rich bouquet of honey and candied fruit. When served chilled, it complements dry pastries and delicate desserts, but also foie-gras and piquant cheeses. (6 x 50 cl)

This red is dominated by Negroamaro 90% with a little Primitivo 10%. Displaying a rich red colour it has a pleasant and vinous fragrance. Fullbodied style it has a nice flavour with a bitterish back taste. (12 x 75 cl)

100% Malvasia it is light straw yellow colour showing a delicate fragrance and dry taste. (12 x 75 cl)