Susumaniello is a story of resilience. Once, its name—meaning “little donkey” in dialect—spoke of hard work, of vineyards heavy with clusters, of a grape variety capable of producing much and well. Then, over time, its yield decreased, productivity fell, and for years it was forgotten. But those who know the vineyard understand that some grape varieties don’t disappear; they simply change role. From tireless worker to the star of a new story.

Today, Susumaniello is one of Puglia’s best-kept secrets. A red with a bold character, surprising with its freshness. The fruit is dark, intense, with notes of sour cherry and blackberry, yet always balanced by a subtle tension, an acidity that gives it rhythm. On the palate, the tannins are present but soft, smoothed by time. The sip is full, enveloping, with a long finish that leaves its mark.

An authentic wine, without pretensions. Perfect with succulent roasts and aged cheeses, it needs no artifice to tell its story. It is rooted in the sun and the passage of time, born from a land that knows how to wait. Susumaniello is not just a rediscovered grape; it is proof that character, when present, does not fade. It can change form, adapt, but it remains. And to those who taste it, it serves as a reminder that some wines don’t follow time—they challenge it.