Region: Puglia, Italy

Varietal: 100% Susumaniello

Tasting Notes: Askos is a pale, luminous rosé with a crystalline glow and aromas of strawberry, cranberry, and rose petal. On the palate it’s light-bodied and graceful, offering bright red-fruit flavors, a savory hint of sea-salt, and a subtle lift of acidity. Long on finesse and regional expression, this rosato is both spirited and approachable.

Producer: Masseria Li Veli is a modern steward of Apulia’s ancient viticultural heritage, committed to rescuing indigenous grape varieties once on the brink of extinction. The ‘Askos’ project is named after the ancient Greek term for a vessel—symbolizing the careful preservation and celebration of native vines. Their rosato initiative specifically honors Susumaniello, a structurally intriguing and aromatic variety historically rooted in the Salento region.

Vineyard & Winemaking: The vineyards for ‘Askos’ are located in Salento, planted on clay-sandy soils enriched with calcareous elements, with vines aged between 10–20 years. Harvest occurs in mid-September, followed by a gentle vinification process: direct pressing for approximately seven hours at controlled temperature, then fermentation and four months of aging exclusively in stainless steel. The resulting style emphasizes transparency, freshness, and the grape’s distinctive character.