The A Mano Fiano Greco 2011 is pale yellow in colour, with perfumes of citrus, white peach and apricot with a hint of honey, almonds and rose petal. The palate is clean and fresh, with good body from the Greco, lively fruit and a zesty finish.

By producing wines of quality, Mark Shannon and his partner, Elvezia Sbalchiero, have succeeded in making Primitivo one of Italy’s most talked about grape varieties. By paying high prices for the best grapes (from 70 to 100 year old vines) and focussing solely on quality and a modern style, they have revolutionised the style and quality of Primitivo.

Part of the reason for the continued success of A Mano is the greater knowledge that Mark and Elvezia have after almost a decade of vintages (the first was as a consultant for another company) in the region. Not only are they getting access to Salento’s best grapes, but their growers have also come to realise that if they want the higher price paid by A Mano, they need to provide even better grapes than in previous years. The quality of the grapes shines through in their four wines – a Bianco made from Fiano and Greco, a Rose made from Malvasia Nera, Primitivo, and Prima Mano (Primitivo).

The A Mano Fiano and Greco vineyards are situated in Valle d’Itria, in the heart of Puglia. The valley provides a constant airflow from the Adriatic sea to the warmer interior regions of Puglia. The cool breezes enhance the high aromatic profiles in the grapes grown here. The soils are well draining over a soft rock base.