Product Summary
Fico Susumaniello 2020 is a vibrant expression of one of Puglia's most exciting native grape varieties. Produced in the heart of Salento, this wine captures the richness of Southern Italy while showcasing the freshness and elegance that have made Susumaniello one of the country's fastest-rising indigenous grapes. Hand-harvested and fermented using indigenous yeasts, the wine matures in stainless steel before spending six months in French and American oak barriques, creating a harmonious balance between ripe fruit, spice and structure.
🍷 Tasting Notes: Aromas of ripe raspberry, blueberry and black cherry are complemented by liquorice, aromatic Mediterranean herbs and subtle sweet spice. The palate is full-bodied yet beautifully balanced, with smooth tannins, fresh acidity and well-integrated oak leading to a long savoury finish.
🍽️ Food Pairings: Grilled meats, game, barbecue, mature cheeses, smoky satay, roast duck and mutton curry.
🌡️ Serve at: 16°C
🍇 Grape: 100% Susumaniello | Region: Salento, Puglia, Italy | Alcohol: 14% (update if different)
Tasting Experience
Colour
Intense ruby red with youthful purple highlights.
Aroma & Palate
The bouquet opens with ripe raspberry, blueberry and black cherry before revealing layers of liquorice, Mediterranean herbs and subtle oak spice. Fermentation with indigenous yeasts preserves the purity of the fruit, while maturation in French and American oak barriques adds complexity without overpowering the wine's natural freshness. The palate is generous, smooth and expressive, supported by supple tannins and vibrant acidity.
Body
Medium to full-bodied with a silky texture, balanced structure and excellent drinkability.
Finish
Long, savoury and persistent, leaving notes of dark berries, herbs and gentle spice.
Why This Wine Matters
Susumaniello was once valued for its high yields but gradually disappeared from many vineyards as growers favoured more commercially established varieties. Today, a new generation of producers is rediscovering its true potential, proving that carefully managed Susumaniello can produce wines of remarkable character, freshness and elegance.
Fico embraces this revival by combining traditional hand harvesting with indigenous yeast fermentation and restrained oak ageing, allowing the grape's distinctive personality to remain at the forefront. The result is a modern Salento red that is both approachable and unmistakably authentic.
Food Pairings
International
- Barbecue ribs
- Grilled lamb
- Roast pork
- Game meats
- Mature cheeses
Singapore & Regional
- Satay
- Roast duck
- Mutton curry
- Black pepper beef
- Char siew
Technical Details
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Wine | Fico Susumaniello |
| Vintage | 2020 |
| Producer | Fico |
| Country | Italy |
| Region | Salento, Puglia |
| Wine Style | Native Puglian Red |
| Grape Variety | 100% Susumaniello |
| Alcohol | 14% (confirm) |
| Harvest | Hand harvested |
| Fermentation | Indigenous yeasts |
| Maturation | 4 months stainless steel, 6 months French & American oak barriques |
| Colour | Intense Ruby |
| Primary Flavours | Raspberry, Blueberry, Black Cherry |
| Secondary Flavours | Liquorice, Mediterranean Herbs, Sweet Spice |
| Acidity | Medium+ |
| Wine Body | Medium to Full |
| Dryness | Dry |
| Serving Temperature | 16°C |
| Aging Potential | 5–7 years |
Closing Line
Fico Susumaniello is a vibrant modern expression of one of Puglia's most distinctive native grapes, combining generous fruit, savoury complexity and outstanding food-pairing versatility.