A Mano Bianco

Mark Shannon and his partner Elvezia Sbalchiero have revolutionised the style and calibre of Primitivo, turning it into one of Puglia’s most talked about grape varieties. They achieved this at A Mano, in Salento, by paying fair, high prices for the best possible grapes (sourced from 70 to 100-year-old vines) and focusing exclusively on quality, while crafting a modern style. As the old saying goes, where you lead others will follow.

The continued success of A Mano is at least partly attributable to the knowledge that Mark and Elvezia have gleaned from over 18 vintages in Puglia. Not only do they have access to Salento’s best grapes, but their growers have also realised that if they want the higher price paid by A Mano, they need to provide quality to match.

Fiano Minutolo, Greco

This wine is made from the Fiano Minutolo clone from Puglia which resembles Riesling or Viognier, as opposed to the Fiano di Avellino which is used to make the DOC wines of Campania. The Fiano Minutolo vineyards are situated in the Itria valley in the heart of Puglia. The valleys provide constant airflow from the Adriatic Sea to the warmer interior area. Fresh breezes lower the night-time temperatures, encouraging the development of lovely perfumes in the grapes. Greco grapes for the wine come from a very old, non-irrigated, sandy hillside vineyard.

75% Fiano Minutolo, 25% Greco.

Upon arrival at the winery, the grapes were gently pressed with fermentation taking place in temperature-controlled resin-lined concrete tanks for 10 weeks. A small portion of the Fiano grapes were dried until the end of October, after which they were pressed and blended into the wine at the very end of fermentation.

This wine is full of aromas of white peaches, ripe pears, nectarines and a touch of jasmine. It has racy acidity which lifts the ripe fruit. The body is full and satisfying with a fresh acidity and a light spritz from the cool, long fermentation.