Surani

T H E   S U R A N I   E S T A T E 

Over the last few years,the Pasquas familys passion for wine and desire to discover and

select the very best in Italian winemaking have taken themy back to ther historic roots in

Puglia.

Around 80 hectares of land have been purchased in 2001 at Manduria, in the Salento area, one

of the finest zones for the cultivation of the Primitivo grape, where viticulture has

extremely ancient origins, dating  back to the time of Magna Graecia.
The property, which lies about 6 km from the Ionian coast, also includes a farmstead called

Masseria dating back to the early 1900s, a typical complex of agricultural buildings which

originally acted as an organizational  centre for all of the farming operations. After been

refurbished the Masseria is today housing a winery of 700 sqm complete with vinification and

maturation facilities.
To date, 64 hectares have been planted with Primitivo, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay and

Fiano vines. The premium fruit required is obtained as a result of strict clonal selection,

modern vine training systems, and severe pruning, in order to produce a small amount of high

quality wines with respect for terroir and tradition.

T H E   V I N E Y A R D S

The vines are planted using the Guyot training system, with a plant density of 6,200

vines/ha. (2,500/acre) and a yield of no more than 1.2 kg. (2.65 lbs.) per vine. The

vineyards are designed so as to fit perfectly into their surroundings: the vines are

supported by wooden stakes at the head of each row, and by galvanized iron posts along their

length. An irrigation system exists, but it is only used in periods of extreme drought.

The soil in this area is limestone-based: it is very fertile and permeable, as well as being

cool and a reddish ochre in colour due to its iron content. The slopes and the subsoil

display phenomena caused by erosion such as the caverns at Castellana in the Province of

Brindisi and that of Zinzulusa near Otranto.

 

D E S C R I P T I O N   O F   T H E   A R E A
The Salento Peninsula is in the most south-easterly part of Italy and it lies in the most

southern part of the Region of Puglia, between the Brindisi coast, the Gulf of Taranto, and

Santa Maria di Leuca to the far south. It encompasses just under 6,000 square kilometres

(2,300 sq.mi.) and comprises the whole of the Province of Lecce and small parts of those of

Brindisi and Taranto. It is surrounded by the sea, giving it a coastline that is well over 

250 km. (155 miles) long. It is situated in the middle of the Mediterranean Basin, right on

the “border” between the Occident and the Orient, so that one can watch the sun rise from

the eastern shore that looks out over the Adriatic Sea, and also see it set from the western

(Ionian) shore.
It enjoys a climate with mild winter temperatures and very hot summers; rainfall is

irregular, but frequent between November and April; there is a substantial difference

between day and night temperatures, and the area is constantly blowed by winds, such as the

hot and humid sirocco or the cold, dry north wind. 
The Salento Peninsula may be considered the “Gateway to the East”. It has, over the

centuries, developed a singular “mix” of western and oriental cultures and traditions, which

is to be found in its mansions, its churches and its characteristic fortified Masserie, as

well as in the beautifully ornate buildings, expressions of the style of Lecce Baroque.

Indeed, all of these elements tell the story of the various civilizations that  succeeded

each other and exerted their influence over this far-flung corner of Italy until only a

short time ago.