White wines from Puglia
Puglia, a region located in the heel of the Italian boot, is known for its thousand-year history, rich culinary tradition and the variety of its landscapes. Among the most appreciated gems of this land, wines occupy a prominent place. With its warm climate, limestone soil and the influence of the sea, Puglia is one of the most fertile wine regions in Italy, producing a wide range of red and white wines with a unique and distinctive character.
In this article we will focus on the most renowned white wines of Puglia, where they are produced, the tasting areas and the varieties that make up the panorama.
1. Fiano
Fiano is one of the most famous white grape varieties of Puglia. Originally from Campania, it has been perfectly adapted to the hot and dry climate of the region, where it develops a great expression of freshness and aromaticity. The resulting wine is generally dry, with hints of exotic fruit, honey and white flowers, and a good acidity that makes it ideal to accompany fish dishes, shellfish and pasta dishes with light sauces.
The most renowned areas for the production of Fiano in Puglia are those of Daunia, particularly in the province of Foggia, where there are several wineries that produce excellent versions of this wine.
2. Verdeca
Verdeca is another native grape variety of Puglia, widespread especially in Salento, in the provinces of Lecce and Taranto. The wines obtained from this grape variety are fresh, light and fruity, with hints of citrus, green apple and a light herbaceous note. Its acidity makes it particularly suitable as an aperitif or as an accompaniment to light dishes of fish, shellfish and grilled vegetables.
Verdeca is also often used in blends with other local grape varieties to give freshness and fragrance to the wine. In particular, in the area of Copertino and Salice Salentino, this vine finds an ideal environment for its cultivation.
3. Bombino Bianco
Bombino Bianco is another white grape variety that is very common in Puglia, especially in the areas of Bitonto, Gioia del Colle and Castellana Grotte. The wine obtained is usually light, fresh and floral, with notes of peach, apple and citrus. Thanks to its high acidity, Bombino Bianco is perfect for fresh and light dishes, such as seafood salads, steamed fish or dishes based on fresh cheeses.
This vine variety has a long history in Puglia’s viticulture and is often used in blends with other grapes to create balanced and harmonious wines. It is particularly appreciated for its ability to maintain freshness even in warmer years.
4. Trebbiano
Trebbiano is an international vine variety that, although not native to Puglia, is very widespread in the region. The wine that comes from it is generally fresh, with good acidity and hints of white fruit and citrus. Trebbiano pugliese is particularly suitable for the production of table wines or for use in blends, as it gives the wine a base of freshness and lightness.
In Puglia, Trebbiano is grown mainly in the areas of Murge and Lower Salento, where the favorable climate allows for fresh and easy-to-drink wines.
5. Malvasia Bianca
Malvasia is more than a grape variety, it is a family of grape varieties. In fact, there are 17 varieties of Malvasia present in Italy. When we think of Malvasia, we think of the classic sweet sparkling wine or the passito to be served with biscuits; in reality, each of the varieties represents a grape variety in itself, some are neutral, others decidedly aromatic.
The softer or more refined versions are excellent for accompanying white meats and semi-mature cheeses, while the passite are ideal with dry pastries, cream desserts and blue cheeses.
Where to taste the white wines of Puglia
Puglia is a land rich in cellars and wineries that offer unique tasting experiences. If you want to discover the white wines of Puglia and immerse yourself in the winemaking tradition of the region, here are some of the most renowned areas and cellars where you can participate in tastings and, in many cases, guided tours of the vineyards.
Among the many cellars present in the Puglia region, we recommend:
- Castello Monaci, in Salice Salentino (Lecce), a structure of excellence in the Salento region, which offers a rich selection of white wines including Fiano and Verdeca.
- Masseria Li Veli, in Cellino San Marco (Brindisi), a historic farmhouse famous for the production of high-quality wines, including Fiano and Bombino Bianco.
- Cantine Due Palme in Cellino San Marco (Brindisi), one of the most renowned cellars in Puglia, which is dedicated to a varied production of white wines, including Fiano and Malvasia Bianca.
- Tormaresca in San Pietro Vernotico (Brindisi), a winery that is part of the Antinori group, highly appreciated for the production of fresh and aromatic white wines such as Fiano and Trebbiano.
- San Marzano winery in San Marzano di San Giuseppe (Taranto), famous for its commitment to the production of high-quality wines with labels that include Malvasia Bianca and Fiano.
These wineries not only produce exceptional white wines, but they are also often open for tours and tastings, so you can learn more about the production process and the story behind each bottle.