A Mano
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 wine marketing expert and Mark is a Californian winemaker. They fell in love with Puglia and, when they decided to start their own label, made it their home. By producing wines of quality, Mark and Elvezia have succeeded in making Primitivo one of Italy's most talked about grape varieties. They pay high prices for the best grapes from 70-100 year old vines and focus solely on quality and a modern style. After over fifteen vintages, they are now getting access to some of Salento's best grapes.
Vineyards
The A Mano Fiano and Greco vineyards are situated in Valle d'Itria, in the heart of Puglia. The valley provides a constant airflow from the Adriatic sea to the warmer interior regions of Puglia. The fresh breezes lower the night time temperatures, encouraging the development of the lovely perfumes in the grapes. The soils are well-drained on a soft rock base.
Vinification
15% of the Fiano grapes were put into small boxes and dried for two months. This slow 'appassimento' concentrated the flavours, sugars and acidity. The rest of the grapes were crushed, pressed, settled and fermented together for 3½ weeks at 7°C. This retained all the delicacy and fruitiness of the varietals. Once the drying process is complete, the wine from the dried grapes was blended with the cold fermented wine from the fresh grapes. The final blend was bottled under screwcap to preserve the fresh fruit character.
Tasting Notes
A Mano Fiano-Greco 2009 has explosive floral notes on the nose. Fiano contributes the lovely white peach, apricot and rose notes, Greco has a very fine tannin structure that gives the wine more body. On the palate it is full bodied with exotic fruit flavours, a crisp acidity and a refreshing finish.
Vintage Information
| Vintage | 2009 |
| Grape varieties | 50% Fiano Minutolo 50% Greco |
| Region | Bari, Puglia |
| Winemaker | Mark Shannon |
| Alcohol (ABV) | 12.5% |
Trade customers
Liberty Wines customers can order this wine directly from us.