Susumaniello is an ancient variety of red wine grape grown in the province of Brindisi, Salento, Southern Italy.
Distribution and wines
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
such as the
Negroamaro-based
Brindisi Rosso and
Brindisi Rosato and the
Ottavianello-based Ostuni Ottavianello.
Vine and viticulture
Susumaniello needs a warm Mediterranean climate.
Origin
There are several theories about Susumaniello's origins, most of which suggest that it came to Apulia across the
Adriatic Sea, perhaps from Greece or the
coast of Croatia.
DNA profiling shows that the variety is a natural cross between an Apulian table grape and the white-wine grape
Garganega, which was once thought to be of Greek origin (whence its southern Italian nickname Grecanico); this led some to the conclusion that Susumaniello was also Greek.
According to folk etymology, the name indicates the productiveness of the medium ripening vine, with which you could pack a donkey: the phrase "i=no" means "Run donkey!"
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Synonyms
Cozzomaniello, Cuccipaniello, Grismaniello, Mondonico, Puledro, Somarello Nero, Susomaniello, Susomariello Nero, Sussumariello, Susumariello Nero, Uva Nera, Zingarello, Zingariello, Zuzomaniello.
See also
Notes and references
- Footnotes
Further reading
External links
