SOMARELLO IGP PUGLIA rosato SUSUMANIELLO

The Grapes and Vineyard
Among the most eagerly anticipated projects at Masseria Croce Piccola is the revival and cultivation of Susumaniello, one of Puglia’s most distinctive and recently rediscovered grape varieties. Thriving in these hillside soils, it reveals its elegance in this exquisite rosé expression.

The name Susumaniello comes from its remarkable productivity in its early years—so abundant that the vines bear heavy clusters of grapes, much like a tireless little donkey ("somarello") once essential to the region’s agricultural traditions.

Winemaking Process
The grapes are hand-harvested at optimal ripeness, ensuring the perfect balance of fruit and acidity. Once in the winery, they are swiftly destuffed and pressed immediately after harvest. They are then cooled with carbonic snow and undergo controlled fermentation at low temperatures (15–16°C) in stainless steel tanks, following a brief four-hour maceration.

The Wine
This rosé presents a floral and fresh bouquet, with delicate hints of crisp, almost unripe fruit. On the palate, it unfolds with complexity and remarkable freshness, making it an ideal choice both as a refreshing aperitif and as a well-balanced pairing for the rich appetisers of Mediterranean cuisine.

With its striking, vibrant pink hue, this wine is a true emblem of a beautiful and promising Puglia.

TECHNICAL DATA

• Vintage: 2024
• Appellation: Puglia IGP
• Grape Composition: 100% Susumaniello
• Production Area: Masseria Croce Piccola
• Vineyard Altitude: 530 m a.s.l.
• Soil Composition: Limestone-rich with rocky fragments
• Planting Density: 2,500 vines per hectare
• Yield per Hectare: 75–80 quintals
• Training System: Guyot-trained espalier
• Alcoholic Fermentation: In stainless steel
• Malolactic Fermentation: Not carried out
• Ageing & Storage: Bottle-aged for 3–4 months; store upright and serve in a tasting balloon glass at 12–13°C

ANALYTICAL DATA

• Alcohol Content: 12.5% Vol.
• Total Acidity: 6.1 g/L
• pH: 3.39
• Dry Extract: 25.4 g/L

Our Key Projects
Masseria Croce Piccola is the lead winery of ALBEALAND, an initiative dedicated to the preservation and development of traditional Apulian viticulture and winemaking. This collaborative project unites 12 wineries across Puglia, cultivating approximately 70 hectares of the region’s most ancient grape varieties using organic and eco-sustainable practices.