A Mano

A Mano is a Salento producer run by Mark Shannon, a Californian winemaker, and Elvezia Sbalchiero, a northern Italian wine marketing expert. What sets them apart is their refusal to compromise: they pay fair, high prices for grapes from 70 to 100-year-old vines, then craft them into modern wines that have fundamentally shifted how Puglia's Primitivo is perceived. After 18 vintages in the region, they have earned the respect of local growers, who now understand that quality fruit commands premium prices. The result is a collection where the quality of fruit genuinely shines through.

About A Mano

A Mano's success rests on a simple principle: control every stage from vineyard to bottle. By sourcing exclusively from Salento's finest old vines, Mark and Elvezia have access to concentrated, characterful fruit. Their growers have learned that supplying A Mano demands excellence—the higher price only follows quality. This symbiosis has transformed Primitivo from a regional workhorse into one of Puglia's most discussed varieties.

The winemaking philosophy favours modern technique applied to traditional grapes. The A Mano Bianco, made from 100% Fiano, opens with ripe pear and orange blossom aromas. The Rosato is fermented at low temperature to preserve Primitivo's delicate perfume. The 'Imprint' Primitivo Appassito follows the Amarone method, delivering a rich, powerful red. The Susumaniello—a rare, ancient Puglian variety once relegated to blending—is now a standalone expression: deep, inky purple, full-bodied, with intense blackberry and violet aromas. The name, meaning 'little donkey' in local dialect, originally referred to the enormous grape load young vines bear; others argue it speaks to the variety's stubborn, difficult temperament.

The 'Prima Mano' range is released only in excellent vintages, sourcing from two ancient vineyards situated along the Ionian coast where red sand dominates the terroir. The 2022 Prima Mano Primitivo displays a deep, opaque colour and powerful concentration, expressing the peppery notes characteristic of this varietal. The 2020 Prima Mano Negroamaro comes from 70-year-old vines and delivers beautiful complexity: velvety tannins, damask plums, black cherries, fragrant violets, and delicate rose petals.

A Mano Wines in Our Collection

Our range spans A Mano's full portfolio. The 2025 Primitivo di Puglia (88 points, Vivino 3.5) is the entry point to their modern Primitivo style—rich and intense. For rosé, the 2025 Primitivo Rosato (86 points, Vivino 3.5) is fermented cool to retain delicate fruit character. If you want ambition in a single bottle, try the 2022 Imprint Primitivo Appassito (86 points, Vivino 3.9)—made in Amarone style, it's a serious, powerful red for contemplation. The 2024 Negroamaro (86 points, Vivino 3.5) shows the depth possible from this underrated Puglian grape, while the 2023 Imprint Susumaniello (86 points, Vivino 3.9) reveals why this rare variety deserves a second look. Collectors seeking pinnacle expression should explore the 'Prima Mano' releases, which appear only when the vintage permits.

Food Pairing

A Mano's reds pair naturally with Italian southern cuisine: grilled lamb with herbs, slow-cooked beef ragù, aged cheeses, and cured meats. The Primitivo's spiciness complements charred vegetables and smoky dishes. The Susumaniello's blackberry intensity suits game and dark meat preparations. The Fiano works with seafood pasta, while the Rosato bridges aperitivo and light courses—prawn, white fish, or antipasti platters.

What makes A Mano different from other Puglia producers?

They pay premium prices for fruit from 70–100-year-old vines, giving growers incentive to prioritize quality. After 18 vintages, Mark Shannon and Elvezia Sbalchiero have fundamentally elevated Primitivo's reputation in the region.

What is Susumaniello and why should I try it?

A rare, ancient Puglian red variety once used mainly for blending. A Mano's 2023 Imprint Susumaniello is deep, inky, full-bodied, with intense blackberry and violet aromas—proof the grape deserves standalone recognition.

When should I buy 'Prima Mano' wines?

Released only in excellent vintages, they represent A Mano's peak expression. The 2022 Prima Mano Primitivo and 2020 Prima Mano Negroamaro are concentrated, complex, and worth seeking when available.

Who makes A Mano wines?

A Mano is run by Mark Shannon, a Californian winemaker, and Elvezia Sbalchiero, a northern Italian wine marketing expert, based in Salento, Puglia. They've spent 18 vintages sourcing from 70–100-year-old vines and earning local growers' respect.

What style of wine does A Mano make?

A Mano makes modern wines from traditional Puglian grapes—Primitivo, Negroamaro, Fiano, and rare Susumaniello. The 2025 Primitivo di Puglia scores 88 and delivers rich, intense character; their approach favours fresh technique applied to old-vine fruit.

How much does A Mano wine cost?

A Mano wines range between £13.55 and £26.95. Entry-level bottlings start around £13.55–£13.85; premium 'Prima Mano' and 'Imprint' releases sit between £16.45 and £26.95.