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.
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 and terroir.
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
Northern Puglia (Valle d’ Itria)
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 Lecceis a little over an hour to the south.
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 
I Pastini Website
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- delicious wines.
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 Masseria Torricella website
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
Southern Puglia (Salento)
Feudi di Guagnano: This winery in Guagnano 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, Email: sales@feudiguagnano.it, Feudi di Guagnano website
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 L’Astore Website
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 Cantina Vecchia Torre Website
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 Menhir website
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 Cantina Due Palme Website
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. Castello Monaci website