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'A Mano' is the wine label of Canadian winemaker 'Mark shannon'.
The 2003 A Mano is a return to form for Mark Shannon. The 2002 was a valiant effort in a difficult vintage, but in 2003 he has captured the power and intensity of the vintage. Indeed, it was such a good year that he has produced enough to see us through until the 2005 vintage is ready in early 2007, as 2004 in southern Puglia was much worse than 2002.
The latest bottlings of the 2003 vintage are under stelvin. In future, we will only be shipping A Mano under stelvin. Next year, the 2006 Bianco and the 2006 Rosato will also be under stelvin.
By producing wines of such 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 wines like the 2003 Prima Mano. It is very fine, with supple tannins and a touch of cedariness, combining power and elegance in a most striking manner. Aged for seven months in 75% new French oak, 20% new American oak and 5% chestnut, the wine has a lovely integration of oak. |
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