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 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. 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 from Campania. The Verdeco grapes are grown in a very old, non-irrigated sandy hillside vineyard.
Vintage Information
As has been well documented, 2014 was a challenging year for winemakers across Italy due to the constant and unusual summer rains. Hard work, flexibility and total commitment were needed in the vineyard to produce the desired quality, and the grapes that ripened well were from sandier soils with good drainage. The challenging summer offered A Mano the chance to work with Falanghina, resulting in a fresh blend for 2014.
Vinification
The 2014 vintage includes 30% Falanghina, a native variety that partners beautifully with the usual Fiano grapes. 10% Verdeca was also added to add complexity. The grapes were crushed, pressed, settled and fermented together very slowly for three months. This retained all the delicacy and fruit character of the varieties. The final blend was bottled under screwcap to preserve the fresh fruit character.
Tasting Notes
Fiano gives the A Mano Bianco white peach and floral perfumes, Falanghina adds citrus blossom aromas and Verdeca lends a grapefruit character. The palate is complex and zesty, with well-balanced acidity and lovely body. Citrus notes continue on the finish.
Vintage Information
| Vintage | 2014 |
| Grape varieties | 60% Fiano 30% Falanghina 10% Verdeca |
| Region | Bari, Puglia |
| Winemaker | Mark Shannon |
| Alcohol (ABV) | 12% |
| Acidity | 6.19g/l |
| Residual Sugar | 3.95g/l |
| Wine pH | 3.34 |
Trade customers
Liberty Wines customers can order this wine directly from us.