Date:
January 15, 2026
Information:
Finally, the weather cooperated. After many days of rain, we waited for the right window—when the soil was dry enough—to begin planting. Fortunately, the week following planting brought ample rainfall, ideal for establishing the young rootstock.
We planted 450 Susumaniello scions grafted onto American 1103 Paulsen (1103P) rootstock across a 1,000-square-meter area. Because Phylloxera remains a serious concern in Europe, all new vines planted in Puglia are grafted onto Phylloxera-resistant American rootstocks. The 1103P rootstock is particularly well suited to the terroir of the Salento area. Developed in 1896 from Vitis berlandieri and Vitis rupestris, it is highly vigorous and drought-tolerant, performs exceptionally well in acidic, compact, clay-rich, and saline soils, and offers excellent resistance to Phylloxera.
I am extremely fortunate to have the support of veteran winegrowers from Salento on this phase of the project:
Pietro D’Apolito – A winegrower with over 40 years of experience cultivating native Puglian varietals and the “grandfather” of the vineyards that produce award-winning La Pruina wines. His vineyards feature Primitivo, Negroamaro, Malvasia Nera, Susumaniello, Fiano, and more.
Roberto Lucchi – A winegrower with family vineyards in Torre Santa Susanna and Mesagne.
Antonio Leo – A winegrower experienced in cultivating grapes throughout Puglia, particularly in the Salento area.
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