The Irresistible Wines of Puglia, Italy
Why are the wines of Puglia, Italy are becoming so popular?
Quality Improvements: Over the past decade, wine producers in the Puglia region have been focusing on improving the quality of their wines. They have implemented modern winemaking techniques and have started producing high-quality, boutique wines that are gaining recognition internationally.
Unique Grape Varieties: Puglia is home to several unique grape varieties such as Primitivo, Negroamaro, and Aglianico, which produce flavorful and distinctive wines that stand out in the market. These grape varieties have contributed to the popularity of Apulian wines among wine enthusiasts. The soil, the heat of Puglia, and the affects of the Ionic and Adriatic seas create the environment for important wines.
Value: Apulian wines offer excellent value for money compared to wine varieties from other Italian regions such as Tuscany and Piedmont. Consumers are increasingly looking for affordable yet high-quality wines, and Puglia is delivering on that front.
Cultural Appeal: Puglia has a rich wine-making tradition that dates back centuries. The region’s picturesque vineyards, historic wineries, and charming villages attract tourists looking to experience the authentic Italian wine culture, boosting the popularity of Puglia’s unique wines.
Food Pairing: Puglian wines are known for their versatility and ability to pair well with a variety of foods, including the region’s traditional cuisine such as seafood, pasta, and olive oil-based dishes. The combination of delicious Italian cuisine and the best wines in Puglia makes an attractive combination appealing to a wide range of consumers.
What types of grapes are grown for wine in Puglia?
Some of the common wine grapes grown in Puglia, Italy include Primitivo, Negroamaro, Malvasia Nera, Aglianico, Uva di Troia, and Bombino Bianco….Red wines, White wines, Rosé wines, Sparkling wines
What are the most popular white wines produced in Puglia?
White wines account for 20% of the wines produced in Puglia.
Fiano A crisp and refreshing white wine with notes of citrus, pear, and honey. It is known for its balanced acidity and bright flavors.
Verdeca A light and easy-drinking white wine with aromas of white flowers, green apples, and tropical fruits. It is often used as a blending grape in Puglian white wines.
Bianco d’Alessano A versatile white wine with a medium body and flavors of citrus, stone fruit, and minerality. It pairs well with seafood dishes and light salads.
Greco A dry and aromatic white wine with a medium body and notes of tropical fruits, citrus, and herbs. It is often aged in stainless steel tanks to preserve its fresh flavors.
Chardonnay While not a traditional grape of Puglia, Chardonnay is also grown in the region and produces crisp and fruity white wines with flavors of apple, pear, and vanilla.
Highlight: Verdeca
Verdeca is a relatively rare grape variety that is native to the region. It is known for producing crisp, aromatic white wines with flavors of citrus, green apple, and floral notes. Verdeca wines from Puglia often have a bright acidity and a light body, making them a refreshing choice for seafood dishes or as an aperitif. Additionally, Puglia’s warm climate and unique terroir contribute to the distinct character of Verdeca wines produced in the region.
What are the most popular red wines produced in Puglia?
Primitivo is a deeply colored red wine known for its rich, fruit-forward flavors and high alcohol content. It is often compared to Zinfandel due to their similar DNA profile.
Negroamaro is a versatile red grape variety that is commonly found in the Salento region of Puglia. It produces full-bodied wines with dark fruit flavors and a hint of spice.
Susumaniello is not as well-known as other Italian grapes. This makes it an exciting discovery for any wine enthusiast looking to explore and learn about new wines. This varietal was “rediscovered” and is now producing some excellent wines. A deep red complex wine with a mix of red and black fruit like black cherry, plum, and wild blackberry, often accompanied by notes of spices like black pepper, cinnamon, and clove, and sometimes hints of earth, leather, tobacco, or even chocolate.
Nero di Troia is a lesser-known grape variety that produces bold, structured red wines with notes of dark fruit, earth, and spice. It is primarily grown in the northern part of Puglia.
Aglianico: While Aglianico is most commonly associated with the Campania region, it is also grown in Puglia. It produces complex, age-worthy wines with firm tannins and notes of dark fruit, leather, and tobacco.
Malvasia Nera is a grape variety that is often used in blends to add color, body, and a touch of sweetness. It produces wines with aromas of red berries, violets, and spice.
Highlight: Primitivo
Primitivo is a grape variety that is native to Puglia, Italy, and is known for producing full-bodied, robust red wines with high alcohol content and bold flavors. Primitivo wines from Puglia are known for their rich and intense fruit flavors, particularly dark berries and plums, as well as hints of spice and earthiness. They also tend to have smooth tannins and a long, lingering finish. Overall, Primitivo wines from Puglia are considered to be excellent examples of the region’s winemaking tradition.
Historical traces of this grape seem to state the ancient region of Illyria (which today includes parts of Croatia, Montenegro and Albania) as Primitivo’s country of origin. It is thought that this grapevine was brought to Apulia between XV and XVI century by Slavic escapees, the ‘Schiavoni’ or Greeks of Albania, who abandoned their land because of the Ottoman occupation. It was at the end of the XVIII century that Don Filippo Indellicati from Gioia del Colle, a priest who was keen on botany, first gave this grapevine the name still used today. He planted a vineyard and baptized it ‘Primitivo’ because of the grape’s tendency to ripen early.
Does Primitivo wine taste like Zinfindel wine?
Primitivo and Zinfindel wines are similar, and come from the same type of grape. However the climate, soil, and choices of the producers in Puglia Italy can result in different flavor profiles than their American counterparts.
Are there differences in the wines made in Northern Puglia vs. the wines made in Southern Puglia wine regions?
Yes, there are some differences between Italy’s Puglia regions. Northern Puglia is known for its red wines, particularly those made from the Negroamaro grape, while southern Puglia is more famous for its white wines, such as those made from the Verdeca grape. Additionally, northern Puglia tends to have a cooler climate, which can result in wines with higher acidity and lighter body, while southern Puglia has a warmer climate, producing wines with more depth and richness. Overall, the terroir and climate variations between the two regions contribute to the unique characteristics of their respective wines.
Wine Tastings and Tours
There are 80 Recommended Wine Estates with 25 DOC wines… Puglia wine region covers 83 000 hectares, about 80% of which is planted with red wine varieties.
Northern Puglia (Valle d’ Itria & and Western Puglia)
*Get your reservations weeks in advance*
The Valle d’Itria is a charming area of whitewashed towns, surrounded by orchards, wineries, olive groves, and farmland. The gently sloping hills are dotted with the iconic trulli houses, wonderful for driving, cycling or hiking.
The towns of Alberobello, Locorotondo, Cisternino, Ceglie Messapica, Martina Franca, and Putignano are all Valle d’Itria towns. Ostuni, Monopoli and Polignano are not in the valle- but great towns to visit.
Locorotondo is near center of the valley, 67 km south of Bari . The city of Matera is an hour and 15 minutes west (77 km) while Lecce is a little over an hour to the south.
Amostuola Masseria Upon arrival in Amastuola, you are welcomed by the long entry flanked by centuries-old olive trees in the fantastic scenery offered by the Farm. Set amid the greenery of the “Terra delle Gravine” Regional Park, this wine resort is a Must see. Amostoula uses some traditional techniques, but also technologically advanced activities for experimentation and research to give their organic Apulian wine distinguishing features. NOTE: The wine resort and cellar are in different locations. S.S.7 Appia – km 632,200 Massafra (TA), Italy +39 099 880 56 68 info@amastuola.it
I Pastini Run by the Carparelli family, I Pastini is on a 18-hectare vineyard with the aim of recovering and enhancing ancient native vines: Verdeca, Bianco d’Alessano and Minutolo, Susumaniello and Primitivo. A beautiful winery in in the heart of Valle d’Itria. Strada Cupa Rampone Zona A, 74015 Martina Franca, Puglia, Italy -Tel: +39 080 3847149 
Trulli il Castagno For generations the Spalluto family has been cultivating wine with passion, passing on the traditions of the farmers of the Itria Valley, the valley of the trulli. Their wine tastings in the vineyard are truly memorable experiences.
Cantina Masseria Torricella, Cantina Masseria Torricella is a well-established vineyard, with organic wines, produced with the passion of the craftsman supported by technology. (+39) 327 7827365, info@cantinamasseriatorricella.it
Cantina Mir in Locorotondo, where the wine tasting experience is a heartfelt journey through the soul of Apulia. From the crisp, aromatic whites that capture the essence of the Locorotondo DOC to the velvety reds that speak of the earth and sun, every glass tells a story.
Locorotondo is a beautiful historic small town 72k from Brindisi
Cantine Polvanera The production of Polvanera covers an area of approximately 100 hectares of Primitivo, Aleatico, Aglianico, Minutolo, Moscato, Falangina, Bianco d’Alessano, Marchione and Maresco. The wines differ from one another with regards to the vineyard’s age and the type of soil on which they are planted. The cellar is uncommon: excavated into 8 meters of limestone rock, this charming structure allows the ageing of wines at a constant temperature. The annexed building is a 1820 manor in which tourists and guests are welcomed to taste wines. info@cantinepolvanera.it
Strada Vic.le Lamie Marchesana, 601, 70023 Gioia del Colle +39 3887573320
Southern Puglia (Salento)
*Get your reservations weeks in advance*
Torleanzi: Masseria Torleanzi is the ideal location for wine tourism enthusiasts. Guided tours of the estate’s vineyards and tastings featuring Torleanzi wines paired with traditional Apulian foods. SP 86 for Torre San Gennaro, 72027 San Pietro Vernotico (BR) Email: masseria@torleanzi.it Telephone: +39 351 094 5778
Castel Di Salve Srl Castel di Salve is one of Puglia’s historic wineries, founded in 1885 in Depressa by Antonio Winspeare, Duke of Salve, for the production of fine table wines and aged wines from grapes grown on the estates of Salve, Supersano, and Depressa. it was the first establishment for the refinement and bottling of wine in Salento. Castel di Salve is now an estate run by the 4th and 5th generations of the Winspeare family. Castel features a number of award winning wines from native Salento grapes. Via Gaetano Salvemini, 32 – 73039 Depressa di Tricase, Lecce, Italia. Tel: +39 0833.771041 info@casteldisalve.com
Feudi di Guagnano: This winery in Guagnano, Italy offers tours of the estate’s vineyards and cellars, as well as tastings of their traditional Puglian wines. The wines of the Feudi Di Guagnano estate are made using only the native grape varietals of negroamaro, primitivo, malvasia nera from Lecce and verdeca. Tel. 0832.705422, Cell. +39351.7030606, sales@feudiguagnano.it
L’Astore Masseria features beautiful wines, beautiful cellar- AND they also have an ancient underground olive oil mill. Great tour of Olive Oil/Puglia history as well as winery. Via G. di Vittorio, 1, 73020 Cutrofiano Lecce, +39 393 229 0830 Email: info@lastoremasseria.it
Cantina Vecchia Torre: Located in Leverano, this winery offers tours and tastings of their organic wines including Negroamaro, Primitivo, and Malvasia Nera. info@cantinavecchiatorre.it +39 0832 925053
Cantine Menhir: Situated in Minervino di Lecce, this winery specializes in producing natural and organic wines using traditional methods. Visitors can take guided tours of the vineyards and cellars and enjoy tastings of their Primitivo and Negroamaro wines. (+39) 0836 81 81 99, commerciale@menhirsalento.com
Cantine Due Palme: This winery in Cellino San Marco offers guided tours of the vineyards and cellars, as well as tastings of their popular wines such as Salice Salentino and Selvarossa. Delicious Southern Italian wines
Castello Monaci: Situated in Salice Salentino, Castello Monaci offers tastings of their award-winning Primitivo and Negroamaro wines. Their tasting room overlooks the vineyards and the historic castle, providing a picturesque setting for wine lovers. Castello has a spectacular barrel cellar that holds more than 1000 barrique and 18 french-oak casks. Monaci wines are named after the Greek legends and myths that remind us of the origins of Apulia: Medos, Kreos, Maru, Piluna, Artas and Aiace.
In 1665, Oronzo Arcangelo dei Conti di Lemos founded the winery where it remains today, in Salice Salentino. Leone De Castris was the first Italian rosé wine to be bottled and marketed in Italy in 1943. The winery offers a diverse selection of products: red, white, and rosé DOC wines (Salice Salentino, Primitivo di Manduria, Gioia del Colle), interesting IGT Salento and Puglia wines, rosé and white sparkling wines; a particularly fine brandy and grappa. Via Senatore de Castris 26, 73015 Salice Salento (Le) Italy +39 0832 731112, info@leonedecastris.com
Apollonia There are 4 great tours to chose from near Copertino, Italy. In their tasting experience, you will have the opportunity to taste some of the labels of Apollonio that best represent the generous land of Apulia, kissed by the sun and caressed by the sea breeze, and the dedication and the passion of those who live on it. Apollonio Casa Vinicola srl, Via San Pietro in Lama 7, 73047 Monteroni di Lecce (Le) Italy Tel. +39 0832 327182
info@apolloniovini.it
