Black berry wine grape variety grown in Apulia
A vine historically present in Apulia, with an important diffusion, also testified by its many synonyms. its many synonyms. Currently more present in Brindisi’s area.
Susumaniello has uncertain origins and may have come from Dalmatia; it became widespread in Apulia, not only in Terra d’Otranto, but also in the province of Bari. In 1947, F. Carpentieri recalled the Lacrima di Puglia (Susumaniello) grown in the provinces of Bari, Brindisi and Lecce,writing: ‘produces a bright red wine, brilliant, with a straightforward balanced, full taste, which can be improved if blended with Montepulciano grapes ‘.
From the DNA tests carried out (on 10 loci, at the Experimental Institute for Viticulture – Ampelography and Genetic Improvement Division), it was shown to be identical with Susipaniello, Cuccipaniello, Cozzomaniello, Grismaniello, Susomaniello, Susumariello, Susumariello nero, Zingariello, Zuzumaniello.
Shoot tip: medium, expanded, bristly, green with carmine edges.
Leaf: medium-large size, pentagonal, pentalobate. Closed petiole sinus with overlapping lobes. Marked, open or closed lyre-shaped upper lateral sinuses; barely marked lower lateral sinuses.
Bunch: medium, dense, more frequently plain, pyramid-shaped, oblong.
Berry: medium, spheroidal. Very pruinose, deep blue, medium-thick and not very compact skin.
Time of bud burst: intermediate-early
Flowering time: intermediate
Veraison: late-intermediate
Ripening: intermediate-late
Vigour: high
Average bunch weight measured: 180 g (min 100 g – max 280 g)
Average berry weight: 2 g (min 1.4 g – max 2.8 g)
Number of seeds per berry: 2 3
Average rachis weight: 13 g
Fertility of buds: 2 – 1
Potential fertility: 1.6
Actual fertility: 1.1
More abundant production in young vineyards, diminishes with age (over 10 years).
Alcoholic content: 11 – 12.5 % by vol.
pH: 3.1 – 3.3
Total acidity: 8 – 11 g/l
Susumaniello is used exclusively for vinification, almost always in a blend with other varieties. The wine is intense in colour, with red foam, rich in total acidity, dry and with an austere taste.
Susumaniello is historically present in Apulia, where it certainly had an important diffusion, testified by the numerous synonyms that distinguished the vine in the region.
It is still present in Apulia today, particularly in the province of Brindisi, where in the past it was used for the production of sweet strains, due to its ability to give the wine a very intense ruby red colour and good acidity.
Antonacci Donato
antonacci.dona@gmail.com
The data sheet of the Susumaniello n., revised and updated, is extracted from: Antonacci Donato (2006). Viti di Puglia, Adda publisher. Its use is granted by the author citing the source.