Introduction

If you’re looking to try something different that still embodies the warmth, character, and terroir of southern Italy, Artiglio Susumaniello IGP Salento 2022 by Cantine De Falco is a standout. Susumaniello is a native grape of Puglia w hich has been revived from near-extinction, and this wine offers both accessibility and complexity. This review will take you through everything: from where it’s grown, the grape’s heritage, winemaking, appearance and aroma, palate and texture, ageing potential, what to pair it with, and why it’s a great buy in the UK.

Region & Terroir: Salento, Puglia

Salento is the “heel” of Italy’s boot, the southernmost part of Puglia. It enjoys a Mediterranean climate: very warm summers, plenty of sun, but balanced by breezes from the sea. These conditions, along with long growing seasons, help grapes fully ripen, while soils of varying terroir (often limestone, clay and red, iron-rich soils) lend minerality.

The vineyards for De Falco’s Artiglio Susumaniello are located in this Salento region. Here the grape can benefit from full sun exposure, warmth to develop depth of flavour, and nighttime cooling that helps preserve acidity, so the wine doesn’t become flabby. The soil types in Salento tend to give a richness and sometimes a spicy or earthy undertone.

Grape: Susumaniello

Susumaniello is a red grape variety indigenous to Puglia. It was nearly lost, but recent revival efforts have brought it back into focus. Some of its notable traits are:

• Deep colour, often ruby or garnet with dark tones.
• Aromatic complexity: red and dark fruit, spice (especially black pepper), sometimes licorice, herbal or Mediterranean scrub notes.
• Medium to full body, depending on ripeness and vineyard care.
• Balanced tannin structure; when made well, it has firmness, but not harshness.
• Good ability to reflect place (terroir) because it responds to soil type, sun exposure, vineyard care.

Susumaniello tends to reward careful winemaking: controlling yields, managing fermentation temperature, and choosing how much oak or wood contact to use can deeply affect its final profile.

Bottle & Winemaking

Cantine De Falco’s Artiglio Susumaniello 2022 is made under the Salento IGP classification, allowing a balance of tradition and quality:

• Fermentation: Grapes are fermented in stainless steel at controlled temperatures to preserve fresh fruit aromas.
• Maceration: Skins remain in contact with the juice for roughly 15 days to extract colour, tannin, and phenolics, giving body and structure.
• Alcohol Level: Around 14% ABV, giving warmth and weight without heaviness.
• Ageing / Maturation: The wine is lightly or neutrally oaked, focusing on the grape’s natural character while softening tannins. Bottle ageing allows aromas and flavours to integrate.
• Bottling: Released after careful maturation, offering balance between fruit, structure, and freshness.

Appearance

In the glass, Artiglio Susumaniello presents with a deep garnet red colour, with darker ruby highlights. Dense and rich, it shows its extract, with good clarity and visible legs indicating body and alcohol.

Aroma & Nose

On the nose, this Susumaniello is layered and generous:

• Primary aromas: ripe dark fruit—blackberry, dark plum, wild cherry.
• Secondary scents: black pepper spice, Mediterranean herbs, and a faint licorice undertone.
• Aromatic depth: subtle earthiness or herbal notes give a sense of place.

The nose indicates a wine with complexity and potential, rewarding some aeration before drinking.

Palate, Flavour & Texture

Tasting offers a satisfying experience:

• Entry: Rich dark fruit dominates, with hints of herbs or pepper.
• Mid‑palate: Firm but balanced tannins give structure; acidity keeps the wine lively. Croatina adds depth, Barbera contributes freshness.
• Texture: Medium‑to‑full bodied, velvety mid‑palate, bold and dense yet drinkable.
• Finish: Lingering fruit, spice, warmth, and tannins tapering off smoothly; subtle herbal or licorice notes remain.

This wine rewards both sipping and food pairing, with layers that develop over the course of a meal.

Ageing Potential

While enjoyable now, this wine can develop further:

• Best drinking window: now through 4–6 years.
• Bottle age softens tannins, enhances tertiary notes (earth, leather, herbs), and integrates warmth and spice.
• Storage: cool, stable temperature (~12–14°C), moderate humidity, away from light.

Food Pairing & Serving Suggestions

Artiglio Susumaniello 2022 is robust and pairs well with hearty and flavourful dishes.

Food Pairings:

• Red meats: Lamb, beef, pork with herbs or pepper.
• Grilled or barbecued meats: Charred flavours complement the wine’s spice and savoury tones.
• Rich pasta sauces: Meat‑based ragù, mushroom sauces, tomato sauces with spice.
• Cheese: Aged pecorino, mature cheddar, or local Italian hard cheeses.
• Winter stews or casseroles: Lamb stew, beef casserole, or mixed meat dishes.

Serving Notes:

• Serve at 16–18°C.
• Large red wine glasses help aromas open and texture show.
• Decanting for 30 minutes softens tannins and opens bouquet.

Strengths & Weaknesses

Strengths

1. Distinctive: rare Susumaniello grape gives a unique Italian red experience.
2. Bold flavour: dark fruit, spice, herbs, and structure provide complexity.
3. Balanced: rich but fresh, not cloying.
4. Food-friendly: pairs well with hearty meals.
5. Good value: high-quality southern Italian red at a competitive price.

Weaknesses

1. Young tannins may be firm; decanting helps.
2. Alcohol warmth requires careful serving temperature.
3. Not a delicate red; may overwhelm light dishes.
4. Vintage variation can affect balance.

Overall Verdict

Cantine De Falco Artiglio Susumaniello IGP Salento 2022 delivers rich flavour, personality, and character. It’s bold yet balanced, pairs well with food, and represents the terroir of southern Puglia beautifully. For UK wine lovers looking for something different from common Italian reds, this is an excellent choice.

Rating: 4.4 / 5