Susumaniello

Susumaniello is found only in the Italian region of Apulia. Until recently, the variety had fallen quite out of favour with viticulturalists; 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.

Susumaniello needs a warm Mediterranean climate.

There are several theories about Susumaniello's origins, most of which suggest that it came to Puglia across the Adriatic, perhaps from Greece or the Dalmatian Coast of Croatia. DNA profiling shows that the variety is a natural cross between a Puglian table grape and the white-wine grape Garganega. Garganega was once thought to be of Greek origin (whence its southern Italian nickname Grecanico), which no doubt led some to the conclusion that Susumaniello was also Greek. According to one hypothesis, it should have come from Dalmatia (Croatia). The medium ripening vine is very productive, which is indicated by its name. You could pack a donkey with the many grapes. The saying "Susu lu somariello!" means "Run donkey!"[1] [2]

Cozzomaniello, Cuccipaniello, Grismaniello, Mondonico, Puledro, Somarello Nero, Susomaniello, Susomariello Nero, Sussumariello, Susumariello Nero, Uva Nera, Zingarello, Zingariello, Zuzomaniello.[3]

• Primitivo/Zinfandel

Footnotes

• 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.

• VIVC Bibliography