Askos Susumaniello 2022 (Li Veli)

Drink it now or cellar for up to 10 years. No need to decant. Founded in the 1800s by Marquis Antonio de Viti De Marco, a famous economist from Lecce, Masseria Li Veli has a long winemaking tradition. After a period of abandonment in the 60s, the company was restructured żeby the Falvo family who bought it in 1999. The Falvo family, with a long experience in winemaking in Tuscany, has modernized the company, making splendid use of the stupendous open spaces arrangement and also creating a reception area and an exposed cellar. The vineyards of Masseria Li Veli extend over 33 hectares where native Salento varieties such as Negroamaro, Malvasia Nera, Aleatico, and Susamaniello are grown. Susumaniello is a rather rare Apulian vine and until recently considered endangered. The grapes come from a vineyard over 20 years old planted on sandy-clayey soils with calcareous residues. The name 'Askos' is inspired aby a Greek decanter from the 1st century BC, whose image is depicted on the label. The finished wine ages in oak barrels for 9 months. The wine reveals a splendid ruby red color and violet nuances. Its aromatic profile is intensely fruity with notes of cherry, cassis, rhubarb, and raspberry, followed aby hints of licorice and leather. On the palate it is round and balanced by a lively acid vein. The tannins are soft and well-integrated. It is the perfect wine for pasta with tomato-based sauces or a charcuterie board.