Surani is a winery owned by the larger and well-known Tommasi Winery. While Tommasi, located in Valpolicella, produces “big,” powerful, and rich wines (like Amarone della Valpolicella), Surani is located in Manduria, Puglia - the southernmost wine region of Italy, in the heel of the boot - and produces Mediterranean wines, which are naturally less powerful and rich.

The Surani estate has 550 hectares of vineyards, cultivating the crown jewel of Puglia - Primitivo - as well as Negroamaro, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Fiano (a white grape variety). The four tasting wines reflect quality winemaking at every stage, elegant balance, and a clear commitment to preserving the Mediterranean character of the wines. Another relevant factor in this tasting is the pricing of the wines. The white and rosé offer very good to excellent value, while the reds surpass them, providing excellent to exceptional value for money. These are quintessential food wines, excellent for everyday sipping in any season, surprisingly suitable for glass pours in wine bars. Cheers!

Surani. Fiano, Puglia IGT 2023

Dry white based on Fiano grapes from Puglia, Italy. Fermentation in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks. Golden color. Tropical fruit and citrus on the nose. Medium body. 12.5% ABV.

Price: NIS 66

Reviewer’s note: Young, fresh, holds good fruit without being heavy, very nice acidity. Broad enough to pair successfully not only with light meals but also main courses like fish and seafood in Mediterranean olive-oil-based sauces.

Value for money: 4.5/5 (Excellent)

Surani. Fiano, Puglia IGT 2023 (credit: Surani Winery)
Surani. Fiano, Puglia IGT 2023 (credit: Surani Winery)

Surani. Fiano, Negroamaro IGT 2024

Dry rosé based on Negroamaro grapes grown at Surani, Puglia. Short maceration (6–8 hours) on the skins and short fermentation in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks. Salmon pink color. Floral and citrus notes. Light to medium body. 12.5% ABV.

Price: NIS 66

Reviewer’s note: Relatively light, charming fruit, present but moderate, proper dryness, a touch of froth. Floral, fresh, and joyful. A good rosé, truly Mediterranean, with character, different from similar wines from Provence.

Value for money: 4/5 (Very good)

Surani. Fiano, Negroamaro IGT 2024 (credit: Surani Winery)
Surani. Fiano, Negroamaro IGT 2024 (credit: Surani Winery)

Surani, Primitivo di Manduria DOC 2022

Red based on Primitivo grapes from Puglia. Maceration and fermentation in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks. Aged 12 months in oak barrels. Red-ruby color. Red fruit and spice on the nose. Full body. 13.5% ABV.

Price: NIS 66

Reviewer’s note: Abundance of concentrated fruit and spice. Relatively massive body, earthy rustic touch, depth and complexity from a year in barrel, and nothing less than stunning value for money. Will pair with almost any meat dish, even significant ones.

Value for money: 5/5 (Exceptional)

Surani, Primitivo di Manduria DOC 2022 (credit: Surani Winery)
Surani, Primitivo di Manduria DOC 2022 (credit: Surani Winery)

Surani. Primitivi – Cabernet Sauvignon Puglia IGT 2020

70% Primitivo and 30% Cabernet Sauvignon from Puglia. Maceration and fermentation in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks. 6 months aging in oak barrels. Deep red color. Red fruit and spice on the nose. Medium-full body. 13% ABV.

Price: NIS 66

Reviewer’s note: Fun fruitiness, ripe but not overly dense, precisely balanced acidity. Worthy complexity and surprisingly long finish relative to the price. The Cabernet adds structural dimensions and extra fruit. It elevates the wine beyond traditional territory but adds a significant dimension. Pairs well with beef carpaccio and tartare, minute steaks, and regular steaks with great success.

Value for money: 4.5/5 (Excellent)

Surani. Primitivi – Cabernet Sauvignon Puglia IGT 2020
Surani. Primitivi – Cabernet Sauvignon Puglia IGT 2020 (credit: Surani Winery)