A MANO

Mark Shannon is a Californian who went to Apulia for a short holiday with Fruili native Elvezia Sbalchiero, nursing an affec-tion for the Primitivo grape that rapidly turned into an obsession. Entranced by the region with its fresh, uncomplicated cuisine and timeless approach to living, the pair made it their home and established A-Mano to craft their handmade, affordable wines. ‘To make expensive wines is contrary to our way of thinking,’ says Elvezia. Theirs are superb value, fruit forward wines made with much passion and flair. Within one year of its conception, A Mano had been named Red Wine of the Year at London’s International Wine Challenge.

Elvezia is from Friuli in the far northeast of Italy, and Mark is Californian. We made Puglia our home because something is still possible here that is fast disappearing in the rest of the wine world – hand made (A•Mano) great wines that are affordable. We work with the best vineyards and do everything possible to maintain the purity of their flavors. Tradition is vital in Puglia, and our winemaking is traditional, natural and respectful. We use the native yeast that grows on the grapes. Our fermentations are kept cool to preserve the flavors of the vineyards. Everything possible is done to preserve the flavors, not manufacture them.