Puglia IGT

If you enjoy full-bodied, warm wines bursting with character, head to Puglia, in south-eastern Italy. One of Italy's most important wine-growing regions, Puglia has a winemaking tradition that dates back to antiquity. Formerly known as ‘Italy’s wine cellar’ or ‘Europe’s wine cellar’, this region has long produced wines on a massive scale to bolster blends made elsewhere in Italy and across Europe. In recent years, Apulian winegrowers have worked to showcase the unique character of their terroirs, restructuring their vineyards to reduce wine production and focus more on improving quality. Thanks to their hard work and passion, Apulian wines now enjoy an excellent reputation both in Italy and abroad.

Stretching along a long strip of land from the Gargano promontory to the Salento peninsula, the Apulian wine region, situated in the heel of the Italian boot, is home to a mosaic of terroirs, giving rise to wines of particularly varied styles. Covering the provinces of Foggia, Bari, Taranto, Brindisi and Lecce, the region is divided into two main wine-growing zones. To the north, vineyards form a succession of hills. The vines thrive in a temperate climate, which is cooler at higher elevations on the Murge plateau. This region is renowned for its fruity, medium-bodied wines with lovely acidity. To the south, between the Adriatic and Ionian Seas, lies the Salento peninsula. In this region, which largely covers the province of Lecce, the climate is influenced by the sea, which moderates the intense summer heat and helps preserves the grapes' acidity. Depending on the area, the soils vary considerably: clay-limestone soils are found on the Salento peninsula, while red soils rich in iron oxides characterise the Murge plateau. Volcanic and sandy soils are also found on the Gargano promontory and along the Adriatic coast.

Spanning over 80,000 hectares, the Apulian vineyards make Puglia one of Italy’s largest wine-producing regions. The region boasts 4 DOCG (Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita) appellations, around thirty DOC (Denominazione di Origine Controllata) appellations and 6 IGT (Indicazione Geografica Tipica) appellations. Among these, Puglia IGT is the largest and best-known regional appellation in Italy. Covering over 8,000 hectares of vineyards, its production area extends across the entire Puglia region, encompassing numerous towns and villages, including Ostuni, known as the ‘White City’, and Alberobello. Within the Puglia IGT appellation, winegrowers enjoy considerable freedom, both in the vineyard and in the winery, compared with the strict regulations governing major DOC and DOCG appellations. This flexibility, combined with the use of both traditional and modern winemaking techniques, allows producers to craft wines in a variety of styles. Puglia IGT wine an excellent choice for exploring Puglia’s rich and distinctive winemaking heritage.

Within the Puglia IGT designation, indigenous grape varieties take centre stage. The most famous is undoubtedly Primitivo. Thriving in a hot, dry climate, this grape variety produces fruity, rich and full-bodied red wines, balanced by refreshing acidity. Puglia IGT wines made from Primitivo often have an approachable, fruit-driven profile, whilst retaining the grape variety’s sunny and generous character.

Grown mainly in the Salento area, across the provinces of Lecce, Taranto and Brindisi, Negroamaro is another iconic grape variety used in Puglia IGT wines. With aromas of black fruits and a characteristic savoury note, it produces red wines with supple tannins, moderate acidity and a beautifully rounded palate.

Nero di Troia is mainly grown in northern and central Puglia. More specifically, it is found in the Castel del Monte region, in the northern part of Bari province and across the province of Barletta-Andria-Trani, as well as in Foggia province. This variety produces more structured wines with spicy notes and a lovely freshness.

Other grape varieties contribute to the diversity of Puglia IGT wines, notably Sangiovese, Malvasia Nera and Aglianico, as well as Vermentino and Falanghina for white wines.

The Puglia IGT appellation produces mainly red wine, accounting for around 80 per cent of production. Puglia IGT red wines come in a wide range of styles to suit every palate. They generally reveal an aromatic bouquet of red and black fruit, sometimes complemented by hints of spice. The flavours and textures vary considerably depending on the grape varieties:

• Primitivo Puglia IGT: a smooth structure, supple tannins and gentle acidity.
• 100% Negroamaro Puglia IGT: a smooth, velvety texture.
• 100% Aglianico Puglia IGT: a supple, full-bodied palate with silky tannins.
• Sangiovese Puglia IGT: a light, delicate style, with a velvety palate and a lingering finish.
• Nero di Troia Puglia IGT: intensity, structure, well-integrated tannins and remarkable elegance.

Red wine from the Puglia IGT appellation may be produced using the appassimento technique, which involves drying the grapes on racks or in crates after harvesting, or leaving them on the vine for an additional 15 to 20 days before picking. This process of concentration gives the wines great aromatic intensity, a rich and velvety texture and deep colour, often showcasing the character of overripe fruit.

While Puglia is renowned for its red wines, its white wines are also well worth discovering. Puglia IGT white wines captivate with their fruity aromatic profile (yellow fruits, white fruits and even citrus), while Vermentino-based wines often reveal a distinctive saline note. Whether fresh and well-balanced, with lively acidity, or combining irresistible freshness with richness and velvety texture, the white wines from this appellation offer a variety of styles. The Puglia IGT appellation also produces fresh, fruit-forward rosé wines bursting with flavour.

Puglia IGT wines encompass a variety of styles, ranging from light, approachable cuvées to more intense and structured reds. Thanks to their diversity, there's a wine to suit almost any occasion:

• For everyday drinking, aperitifs or casual meals, opt for a fruity, gourmet and fresh Puglia rosé, a light and fruity Puglia Primitivo, or a fruity white wine with lovely aromatic freshness.
• For a sophisticated dinner, choose a full-bodied, structured red wine that pairs perfectly with characterful cuisine and refined dishes (roast lamb, duck breast, matured cuts of beef, etc.). With excellent ageing potential, this type of red wine is also ideal for laying down in the cellar. The complexity and richness of an ‘appassimento’ wine make it a great match for game and other rich, savoury dishes. It can even accompany dessert, particularly chocolate-based creations.

At Vinatis, wines from the Puglia IGT appellation are a huge hit with our experts and customers. Beyond their fruity, rich and generous character, typical of southern Italian wines, they appeal for their approachable style, making them easy to enjoy even when young. Their excellent quality to price ratio is another strength of these Puglia wines. Some cuvées have even earned a place in our ‘Top Customer Reviews’ selection, reflecting their popularity with wine lovers and connoisseurs alike.

Wines from the Puglia IGT appellation appeal for their affordable prices, compared to other prestigious Italian appellations, without compromising on quality. Some cuvées are available for under £10, perfect for everyday meals and impromptu aperitifs. From £10 and upwards, discover cuvées that perfectly reflect the producers’ expertise and the unique characteristics of their terroir. Wines priced at over £20 are perfect for enriching your wine cellar or for marking a special occasion.

Fancy a culinary journey to the heart of Italy? Vinatis invites you to escape to Puglia with a carefully curated selection of wines from the Puglia IGT appellation.Whether you’re looking for an everyday wine, a bottle for a special dinner or something to add to your cellar, you’ll be spoilt for choice. Our experts have tasted and approved every cuvée to help you find an excellent quality to price ratio, whatever your budget. Take advantage of the special offers available throughout the year and buy your Puglia IGT wines at great prices. Your order will be delivered in secure packaging, as quickly as possible.