Susumaniello

Susumaniello is a variety of red wine grape from the 'heel' of Italy. It is an ancient grape variety which is grown in the province of Brindisi in the southern Italian region of Apulia.

Distribution and wines

Susumaniello is found only in the Italian region of Apulia. Until recently, the variety had fallen quite out of favour with viticuluralists; however, since 6 September 2003 it has been included in the list of varieties approved by the Apulian region for cultivation in the area of central Murgia. It is used as a blending grape in the production of both red and rosé wines such as the Negroamaro-based Brindisi Rosso and Brindisi Rosato and the Ottavianello-based Ostuni Ottavianello.

Vine and viticulture

Susumaniello needs a warm Mediterranean climate.

Origin

An Italian study published in 2008 using DNA typing showed a close genetic relationship between Sangiovese on the one hand and ten other Italian grape varieties on the other hand, including Susumaniello. It is therefore likely that Susumaniello is a crossing of Sangiovese and another, so far unidentified, grape variety.^[1]

Synonyms

Cozzomaniello, Cuccipaniello, Grismaniello, Mondonico, Puledro, Somarello Nero, Susomaniello, Susomariello Nero, Sussumariello, Susumariello Nero, Uva Nera, Zingarello, Zingariello, Zuzomaniello.^[2]

See also

• Primitivo/Zinfandel

Notes and references

Footnotes

Further reading

• Robinson, Jancis (1992). Vines, Grapes and Wines: The Wine Drinker's Guide to Grape Varieties. Mitchell Beazley. ISBN 978-1-85732-999-5. 
• Robinson, Jancis (2006). The Oxford Companion to Wine, third edition. Oxford University Press. ISBN 978-0-19-860990-2. 

External links

• VIVC Bibliography