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A-Mano: Primitivo Puglia IGT (Stelvin Closure)
If ever we saw a labor of love, A-Mano and Prima-Mano (the barrique-aged Private Reserve, issued in the finest years) are it. Mark’s passionate professionalism has achieved a winning combination of California-style technology (jacketed rotary fermenters, heat exchangers, stainless steel equipment on a state-of-the-art scale etc.), and Apulian tradition and terroir (70 to 100-year-old, hand-cultivated, low-yielding vines, still head-trained as they were by the ancient Phoenicians; Puglia’s unique alluvial soil, beautiful even to look at: deep red and sienna-colored, ideal for this structured, extract-packed native variety). Add to all the above a northern Italian logistical genius called Elvezia Sbalchiero as Mark’s partner; a forward-thinking winery, willing to invest in technology and be the premier winery in Puglia; the perfect location within Primitivo’s golden triangle; Mark Shannon’s 360-degree quality control; the superb packaging and clockwork synergy…
A-Mano: Prima-Mano Primitivo Puglia IGT
Barrique aged 100% Primitivo made only in the best vintage years on Puglia’s best vineyard sites.
A-Mano: Bianco Puglia IGT (New: Fiano-Greco Stelvin Closure)
This past 2006 vintage has inaugurated a thrilling new era for Mark Shannon and Elvezia Sbalchiero’s state-of-the-art Apulian operation, at Castellaneta. For the very first time, the dynamic team has produced an all-native white wine under the A•Mano aegis. A•Mano Bianco hails from 50% Fiano and 50% Greco di Tufo. The former variety is very aromatic, whereas the latter is responsible for the wine’s body. Harvested from Sept. 27th to Sept. 30th, 2005 on the hillside of Putignano (see map below; “the Napa Valley of Puglia”, as Mark calls it), at 375 meters (1,230 feet) above sea level, fermentation lasted 25 days in stainless steel tanks at 8° C (46.4 degrees Fahrenheit), with no oak or malolactic. The result was a delightfully crisp, aromatic wine, splendid as an aperitivo or with delicate pasta dishes, fish, shellfish. This exciting addition to the A•Mano range is a blend of two ancient native grapes that have recently seen a crescendo of appreciation both in Italy and abroad: Fiano (50%) and Greco (50%) – both white, though a less common red version of Greco does exist. The varieties’ aromatic richness, structure and amplitude are such that Mark Shannon has chosen fermentation and maturation in stainless steel, preserving the grapes’ intriguing natural complexity and freshness. FIANO was known as Apianum in ancient Rome. This historic name derived from the Latin for “bee”, apis, for the grape’s intense, floral fragrance attracted these flower-loving insects. Some two thousand years later, the variety’s appealing scents have anything but faded, and may be found in the ensuing wines… The latter’s sensational bouquet is sustained by superb structure and consequent longevity: Fiano wines and blends can be extremely cellar-worthy, and develop very elegant aromas that go from honey and spice to the characteristic notes of hazelnut. GRECO – meaning “Greek” – also goes back to well over two thousand years ago, when this noble grape was first planted by the ancient Greek settlers in southern Italy. Its cultivation spread from the commune of Tufo, in the present region of Campania (hence its full name of Greco di Tufo). Some of the most celebrated wines in Italian antiquity were made from Greco. Through the centuries, their enduring features have been a gorgeous bouquet and great elegance, structure, breed and longevity. A·MANO BIANCO harmonizes these ancient strains: its brilliant straw yellow color is the harbinger of crystal-clear aromas and marvelous elegance. Lively mineral notes on the nose prelude fresh, floral nuances gradually followed by fuller, riper scents of white fruit – notably pear and muskmelon – closing with delicate citrus and grapefruit. The complex, fascinating bouquet is confirmed on the palate – fresh, fruity and silky-textured, with an extremely persistent, mineral finish. A delightfully crisp, aromatic wine that is splendid on its own as an aperitivo, or with delicate pasta dishes, fish, shellfish. Note: Bottles are provided with Stelvin® screw cap closure.
Alba De Domus
The wines have a deep brilliant red shade. Ripe and licoriced nose, blackcurrant and cherry with some notes of plum, mint tips are well integrated thanks to the high maturity. Slightly balsamic notes complemented by zests of orange jam with accents of chocolate…personality of Domus Aurea is there. The mouth is lively and cool with a beautiful sapid texture and a very nice brilliance of the fruit. The body is medium but sufficient, without on - density nor grotesque on - weight, preserving élégance. Tannins, sharp, are again very present and relatively firm, but their grain has the potenciel to preen (make it lightest…). Interesting Balance thanks to a good acidity to counterbalance an alcohol that comes back in finale with notes of dry fruits and cherries to purificate its expression.
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