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How does an American end up in Apulia and why does he stay, asks Mark Shannon as he begins to tell his story.
One need only meet this brilliant winemaker from California to be struck by his personality and professionalism. Shannon's drive, enthusiasm, creativity and expertise are hard to come by in a single individual and it's all reflected in his New Wave Apulian wine that is turning heads the world round.
Called "A Mano", literally "hand-made", is made from indigenous Primitivo grapes (the original source of Zinfandel), this fruit-packed, food-friendly red best expresses Apulia's potential to produce quality wine and explains owner/California wine-maker Mark Shannon's attraction to Apulia.
"Apulia (or Puglia, as it is known in Italian) is so easy to fall in love with. From its old, head-trained vineyards to a long history of grape-growing in harmony with nature there is everything necessary to produce top-quality wine."
After so many years of technical wine-making, I had almost forgotten that the right way to make wine is with love. In fact, Puglia reminded me this is the way to do everything."
Shannon's passionate professionalism has achieved a winning combination of California-style technology (jacketed rotary fermenters, heat exchangers, stainless steel equipment) married with Apulian tradition and terroir (70 to 80-year old, hand-cultivated, low-yielding vines, still head-trained as they were by the ancient Phoenicians).
But Empson says it best - "Puglia's unique alluvial soil, beautiful even to look at: deep red and sienna-coloured, is ideal for this structured, extract-packed indigenous variety. Add to all the above a "northern Italian logistical genius" called Elvezia Sbalchiero as Mark's partner and you have a forward-thinking winery, willing to invest in technology and seeking to be the premier winery in Puglia."
88 A Mano 2001 IGT
Puglia, Italy
Unlike most primitivo we see A Mano has none of the volatile cooked flavours of the south. We love the round supple entry the bright fruit and firm full flavoured finish. Dry fruity, refreshing and affordable. Great value. Buy it by the case. BC $15.95, AB $13.95 (AG)
