Freddy R. Troya

9.0

Susumaniello, 2022, Varvaglione – Salento, Puglia, Italy 🇮🇹

Overview
100% Susumaniello from Salento (province of Brindisi), Southern Italy. An ancient native variety once nearly forgotten, now revived for its depth and aging potential. A concentrated yet balanced southern red with strong varietal identity.

Aromas & Flavors
Intense red fruit medley of plum, cherry, and blackberry. Mid-range spice of black pepper and a touch of cinnamon, layered with subtle chocolate and earthy undertones.

Mouthfeel
Medium to full-bodied with good concentration and structure. Firm yet approachable tannins. Balanced acidity supports aging potential while remaining food-friendly.

Food Pairings
Grilled meats, lamb, tomato-based pasta dishes, aged cheeses, rustic southern Italian cuisine.

Verdict
A consistent and expressive example of Susumaniello. Concentrated, structured, and gastronomic. A reliable southern Italian red that never disappoints.

Did You Know?
Susumaniello is native to the Brindisi area and was historically prized for high yields when young. As vines age, yields drop significantly, increasing concentration and complexity — contributing to its modern revival.

🍷 Personal Pick
A strong value-to-character ratio. A dependable southern Italian red for structured food pairings. — 4 months ago

Ryan Colthorp

9.1

Great wine from Puglia - 80% Negroamaro, 20% Malvasia Nera. Lush ruby red. Very smooth. Enjoyed at Eataly in Chicago. — 4 years ago

George Booth

8.9

This wine was really great with BBQ ribs and chicken, a smooth but a little spicy wine would certainly drink again. — 5 years ago

Patricia Schnitzer

9.0

This wine is Menhir Pietra Salice Salentino Negroamaro. 2016. This doesn’t come up on the Delectable list. first had this Jan 2020 at a Feast (Tucson) tasting. Had this bottle June 2020. Full bodied, ripe red fruit w/ baking spices. Nice complexity. Medium-long finish. Excellent PqR. Will definitely have this again. The Pietra Susumaniello is also very good. — 6 years ago

Patricia Schnitzer

8.9

August 2019, Tucson. Dinner @ North w/ Caitlin and Kristin. New wine on their menu, described as similar in taste to Amarone. Very good. Deep ruby, notes of dried fruit. — 7 years ago

Jeff Jamieson

9.1

This such a unique wine and is going on my regular list. Balanced and vibrant...stands out during a tasting. — 7 years ago

Randy Fuller

9.4

This wine is colored medium ruby in the glass. The nose gives bright cherry, red plum, and raspberry aromas, with a hint of chocolate and a faint herbal note. The tannins are medium firm and the acidity is zippy. This will pair nicely with a spaghetti sauce, meaty or marinara, and should go nicely with some of the chocolates from the Valentine box. — a year ago

Sharon B

9.3

A much needed big pour! It’s been a very long week! After an hour decant this wine is so silky smooth and very fruit forward. TGIF! — 3 years ago

Giordano Bracciolini

9.0

Leggermente frizzante, scende benissimo. Forse troppi solfiti. — 4 years ago

Jason Huggins

9.0

Nice, light red. Terrific Italian red — 6 years ago

tomas rivera

9.0

enjoyed with dinner but easy solo too — 6 years ago

M. Christopher Roebuck

9.0

I let the server pick the wine, the wife was my choice. I'll let you know how things turn out.

Turns out I made a great choice, and the server not so much.

90 points — 7 years ago

Doug Young

10

Delicious! Not musty at all. Smooth and delicious. — 8 years ago

Ceccherini Cristiano

9.0

Super complex nose
Very aromatic
Long
Not exactly what Australian market us looking for, but delicious aperitif
I'd match with fresh cheeses or seafood — 2 years ago

Ceccherini Cristiano

9.1

This label is called Margrande Fiano del Salento
It is grown in a vineyard 1 km away from the coast on the Mar Grande close to Taranto
The wine is great, textural and quite saline.
Very pleasant and long. — 2 years ago

Chris Buggy

9.1

Delightful. Good minerality and citrus, with nice acidity. Hard to think of a better wine with seafood — 4 years ago

Brett Rogosin

8.9

Thick and inky. Steak pairs well with the wine. After a day it opened up really well. Tannins still holding on with lush mouth watering acidity that compliments the red and blue fruit (think blueberries and raspberries), with some wet underbrush on a fall day, moist crisp air and freshness. It’s yum. — 6 years ago

G D

9.5

Dry. Fresh. We both liked! Happy anniversary! — 6 years ago

Kevin Robson

10

New favorite — 7 years ago

with Leanne

Kristen Carlson-Bye

9.6

Floral, apricot. Fruit fwd. — 7 years ago