Apulia

Puglia

Whoever thinks of Puglia probably has in mind the cone-shaped stone trulli, the white houses, perhaps the ancient olive groves, but certainly the unmistakable sea coast in the heel of the Italian boot. And despite everything: Puglia is one of the oldest wine-growing areas in the Mediterranean world.

In terms of volume, too, the nearly 800-kilometer-long coastal strip with an area under vines of 105,000 hectares is one of the largest wine-growing regions in all of Italy, along with Sicily and Veneto. In the past, however, flat Puglia with its limestone, clay and sandy soils was not always equated with the production of quality wines. The trend towards self-confidence and (for red wines) a focus on autochthonous grape varieties, began at the end of the last millennium. The taste of these wines is opulent, rich, warm, accessible, powerful and deliberately less based on the acid structure. It is clear, however, that the land has more to offer than Negroamaro and Primitivo, which are still known from the supermarket. Dynamic winemakers have awakened the dreamy south from a deep sleep and modernized the old vineyards step by step, and many have not shied away from investing in cellar technology, out of the full conviction that this terroir can produce extremely independent, fruity, spicy, powerful wines and not just clumsy, dull and sweet Protztropfen.

How do the wines from the Nero di Troia grape variety taste?

When the low-yield and late-ripening Uva di Troia (today they say rather Nero di Troia) comes from the north of Puglia, from the Castel del Monte region, the wines are surprisingly fresh and acidic. Always present: spicy notes of herbs. A grape variety that is definitely worth discovering.

Which are the most famous DOC wines from Puglia?

When it comes to the grape variety Primitivo, then certainly Primitivo di Manduria. But Castel del Monte or Salice Salentino (mainly Negroamaro) are also quite familiar to many connoisseurs today.

Are there also white and rosé wines in Puglia?

Of course, although the grape cultivation of white wine varieties in Puglia is based more on international grape varieties such as Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Blanc. Whereby? Have you ever tasted the local Verdeca or the Bianco d'Alessano (Acchiappapalmento) in "purezza"? Exciting. Rosé wines are also an interesting growth area, especially when made from the more acidic Bombino Nero grape variety.