Red wines from Puglia
Puglia, located in the heel of the Italian boot, is a land rich in winemaking traditions that date back to ancient times. Thanks to its Mediterranean climate and fertile soils, the region has established itself as a major producer of high-quality red wines. In this article, we will explore some of the most renowned red wines of Puglia, discovering their origins, production areas and the ideal places to taste them.
1. Primitivo di Manduria
Primitivo di Manduria is undoubtedly one of the most famous wines of Puglia. Obtained mainly from the Primitivo grape, it owes its name to the city of Manduria, located in the province of Taranto. This wine is distinguished by its intense red color, with purple reflections that tend to orange with aging. On the nose, it offers a light and characteristic aroma, while on the palate it is pleasant, full and harmonious, tending to velvety with aging.
The history of Primitivo di Manduria is fascinating. It is said that in the 19th century, Countess Sabini of Altamura brought some Primitivo cuttings to the Manduria plain, thus starting the cultivation of this vine in the area. The first label dates back to 1891, with the denomination “Campo Marino”. However, some sources suggest that the vine was present in Puglia in previous eras, perhaps even in Roman times.
In this article we will show you a tour of the best wineries in the Puglia region where you can taste this wine.
2. Negroamaro
Another vine symbol of the region, Negroamaro is grown mainly in Salento. It has a robust and enveloping character, with hints of red fruits, aromatic herbs and a good acidity that makes it suitable for long aging.
The name derives from “niger” (black) and “mara” (bitter), indicating the dark color and sometimes bitterish taste.
Negroamaro is mainly grown in the provinces of Lecce, Brindisi and Taranto, where the warm and sunny climate and the calcareous soils favor the ripening of the grapes. One of the most famous areas for this vine is Salice Salentino, which also produces the well-known Salice Salentino DOC.
In Salento there are many wineries where you can taste Negroamaro, such as Cantine Due Palme and Masseria Li Veli in Cellino San Marco, Cantine San Marzano in Taranto and Tenute Rubino in Brindisi, all excellences of the Apulian winemaking tradition. These wineries offer unique tasting experiences that allow you to fully appreciate the organoleptic characteristics of this wine.
Gioia del Colle DOC can be produced in different variations, but the best known is the one based on Primitivo; other vines that can be used are Sangiovese and Nero di Troia.
You can taste this wine in one of the many wineries in the municipalities of Gioia del Colle, Castellana Grotte, Putignano and other neighboring areas of the province of Bari. In particular, we recommend Cantine Polvanera, Tenuta Patruno Perniola and Azienda Agricola Plantamura. Each of these wineries offers a unique experience for wine lovers. I recommend contacting them in advance to book your visit and tasting.
3. Nero di Troia
This native grape variety of Puglia, also known as Uva di Troia, is grown mainly in the provinces of Barletta-Andria-Trani and Foggia. The wines obtained from Nero di Troia are intense, with notes of cherry and spices, and a good complexity. Also known as Uva di Troia, Nero di Troia is the third most important grape variety of Puglia, after Primitivo and Negroamaro. Grown throughout Puglia, the historic area of Nero di Troia is located in the triangle of land that has as its vertices the cities of Barletta, Cerignola and Lucera, in particular in the municipality of Troia, from which it takes its name. It is present in many DOCs of Puglia, including Cacc’e mmitte di Lucera, Castel del Monte, Orta Nova, Rosso Barletta, Rosso Canosa and Rosso di Cerignola. Due to its winemaking characteristics, Nero di Troia could become one of the protagonists of the winemaking of Puglia and of all of southern Italy. Compared to Primitivo and Negroamaro, perfect vines for making both structured red wines and simple and fragrant rosés, Nero di Troia has a finer body and a characteristic spicy charge that contributes to making this wine interesting and original.
4. Salice Salentino
Salice Salentino DOC is another typical wine of Salento, in particular of the municipalities of Salice Salentino, Guagnano, San Donaci, Vernole and Cellino San Marco. It has a good structure, with flavors of cherry, plum and spices, and is a classic of the Puglia winemaking tradition. The main grapes used for production are Negroamaro which gives structure and intensity, and Malvasia Nera which adds freshness and aromatic delicacy. In this article we will talk about it in more detail and provide you with some useful tips for organizing guided tours and tastings of this Puglia excellence.
5. Gioia del Colle
This wine is mainly produced with Primitivo, but the territory of Gioia del Colle also offers wines with a unique personality, often fresher and less alcoholic than those from Manduria. It has good acidity and notes of red fruits. Moving further north, in the province of Bari, we find another excellent wine from Puglia: Gioia del Colle DOC. This wine, produced exclusively in the area of the same name around the city of Gioia del Colle, in the province of Bari, is characterized by an intense red color, with purple hues in young wines.
6. Castel del Monte Rosso Riserva
Castel del Monte Rosso Riserva is a Controlled and Guaranteed Designation of Origin (DOCG) wine produced in the municipalities of Minervino Murge, Andria, Trani and other towns in the province of Barletta-Andria-Trani and the metropolitan city of Bari. This wine is obtained mainly from the native Nero di Troia grape variety, which must constitute at least 65% of the blend, with the possible addition of other non-aromatic black grape varieties.
The organoleptic characteristics of Castel del Monte Rosso Riserva include a color that varies from ruby red to garnet red with aging, a characteristic and delicate aroma, and a full-bodied, harmonious flavor. This wine requires a minimum aging of two years, of which at least one in wood, to fully develop its qualities.
For an authentic tasting, it is possible to visit the cellars in the production area, where the wine can be paired with local dishes such as roast meats and aged cheeses. Among the many, we recommend Cantine Re Manfredi in Venosa, Antica Enotria in Cerignola, and Cantine Torrevento in Corato.
7. Tavoliere delle Puglie
Tavoliere delle Puglie, or simply Tavoliere, is a DOC wine produced in the provinces of Foggia and Barletta-Andria-Trani. The production area includes several municipalities, including Apricena, Ascoli Satriano, Bovino, Cerignola, Foggia, Lucera, Manfredonia, and others. This wine is produced using mainly the native Uva di Troia grape variety, which must constitute at least 65% for Tavoliere Rosso and Tavoliere Rosato, and at least 90% for wines labeled as Tavoliere Nero di Troia.
Tavoliere delle Puglie wines are distinguished by their intense ruby red color with deep purple reflections. On the palate, they are dry, alcoholic and moderately acidic wines, characterized by aromas of black berries, violets and licorice, accompanied by fruity, spicy and sometimes herbaceous scents.
To taste the Tavoliere delle Puglie in its homeland, it is advisable to visit the cellars located in the municipalities of the province of Foggia and Barletta-Andria-Trani, where it is possible to taste this wine in combination with typical dishes of the local tradition.