Juicy, powerfully rich Susumaniello, a rare Italian red style you just have to try Italys deep south is best known for big, smoky wines made from its prized local varieties Primitivo, Negroamaro, and in this case the uniquely Puglian Susumaniello grape. In local dialect, Susumaniello roughly translates as loaded like a donkey, referring to the wines massive amounts of aroma and flavour. Pillastros creator Angelo Maci is a leading figure in Puglias recent quality revolution, and is fervently proud of local traditions and rare grape varieties. As fans of southern Italian wines and Pillastro fans in particular will agree, Puglia offers undreamed-of character and potential (Hugh Johnson), and rich, spicy Susumaniello is a supreme example of this. Serve in large glasses with braised lamb shanks or caponata.