2023 Bianco, A Mano, Puglia, Italy

The 2023 vintage saw very little rainfall and a very hot summer. This meant extra care was needed in the vineyard to manage the health of the vines. Harvest timing was critical for preserving the freshness of the fruit, and was brought forward to account for the increased speed of ripening due to the hot weather. 

Mark Shannon and his partner Elvezia Sbalchiero have revolutionised the style and calibre of Primitivo, turning it into one of Puglia’s most talked about grape varieties. They achieved this at A Mano, in Salento, by paying fair, high prices for the best possible grapes (sourced from 70 to 100-year-old vines) and focusing exclusively on quality, while crafting a modern style. As the old saying goes, where you lead others will follow. 
The continued success of A Mano is at least partly attributable to the knowledge that Mark and Elvezia have gleaned from over 18 vintages in Puglia. Not only do they have access to Salento’s best grapes, but their growers have also realised that if they want the higher price paid by A Mano, they need to provide quality to match.