Susumaniello del Salento 'Askos' Masseria Li Veli 2023
'Askos' by Masseria Li Veli 2022 is the Susumaniello of Salento par excellence, satisfying yet with exemplary drinkability. It undergoes fermentation and aging in barriques and oak barrels, resulting in a full-bodied wine, but not heavy, characterized by sensations of small red and black fruits, spicy tones, hints of eucalyptus, and memories of licorice and bitter cocoa. A perfect red to enjoy with a podolica stew right away, but it will also give great emotions in a few years
The Susumaniello del Salento ‘Askos’ represents a purely Salento expression of one of the indigenous varieties of the area, appreciated for its intensity and fullness. The ‘Askos’ line was created to enhance the heritage of Apulian indigenous grape varieties and, for this purpose, the wines in this selection are produced from vineyards with high qualitative vocation. The term “askos” comes from ancient Greek and refers to the characteristic skin used since prehistoric times and widespread until the classical and Hellenistic periods. In particular, the askos was used to contain various types of liquids, including of course wine.
The Salento Susumaniello Masseria Li Veli ‘Askos’ originates from only Susumaniello grapes coming from vineyards over 20 years old, cultivated using bush and spurred cordon systems. The vines are planted in clayey and sandy soils characterized by the presence of limestone residues, and the harvest is usually carried out towards the end of September. After harvesting, the grapes are pressed in French oak vats for alcoholic fermentation in contact with the skins at a controlled temperature between 22 and 28 °C. The subsequent aging phase takes place partly in barriques and partly in French oak barrels, containers in which the wine rests for a total period of several months until the final bottling.
A deep ruby red is the color of the Susumaniello Masseria Li Veli Salento ‘Askos’, which on the nose expresses typical sensations of small red and black fruits, accompanied by spicy tones and hints of licorice and bitter cocoa. Intense balsamic puffs of eucalyptus complete the aromatic context. The sip is full but not heavy, certainly satisfying and highly drinkable, also thanks to the excellent management of the alcoholic strength.