The back story of A Mano is like something from a film – a couple came to the Puglia area for a short holiday, fell in love with the place and never left.
There's a little more to it than that, of course – California native Mark and Elvezia, from the Friuli area, were already involved in the wine business, having met while working at a large winery in Sicily in 1997. Mark was intrigued by the Primitivo vineyards in Puglia (which are said to have an identical genetic make-up to California Zinfandel) and suggested a visit to the area. The views and colours delighted the couple just as much as the winemaking possibilities, and so they decided to set up a home and business here.
Tradition is important in Puglia, so Mark and Elvezia take great care to maintain that heritage, using a natural and respectful winemaking method while also bringing in some newer aspects to create a contemporary style. Everything is focused on the true flavour of the wines, from the use of native yeasts and interesting grapes to the cool fermentation technique that preserves the vibrancy of the fruit.
