Puglia

The Puglia region from the southern Italy produces white, red and rosé wines. It is famous for a number of indigenous grape varieties that have now gained worldwide renown. These are Nero di Troia, Negroamaro and Primitivo. In the section below, we take a closer look at these three grape varieties.

Negroamaro

Negroamaro is a common grape variety in Puglia, particularly in Salento. In Italian, negroamaro means “black bitter”. It is said that this refers to the bitter character of the grape. The thick skin results in a wine with high tannin content. The character of this wine is characterised by aromas such as red cherries and plums, a smokiness of tobacco, the warmth of liquorice, spiciness and black pepper. Pair this wine with various hearty dishes with lamb, grilled tuna or dishes with red sauces.

Nero di Troia

Like Negroamaro, this black grape variety has a dark colour. This results in a wine with high tannin content. Unlike Negroamaro, Nero di Troia is often used in blends. This grape variety originates from the village of Troia, hence its name. The grape is also known as Uvo di Troia, or grape of Troia.

The character of this wine is characterised by aromas of cherries, floral notes of violets and a smokiness of tobacco. Dry on the palate with noticeable tannins.

Pair this wine with dishes featuring broad beans and chicory, game ragout or grilled chicken.

Primitivo

Nowadays, the Primitivo grape is well known and very popular, but this was not always the case. In the past, this grape was mainly used for blending, particularly as a flavour enhancer. After research showed that Primitivo is the same grape as Californian Zinfandel, Primitivo's popularity grew.

The name means “early ripening” in Old Italian, a reference to the early harvest in August. Primitivo is less robust than Negramaro, making the grape more sensitive to drought, high temperatures and severe frost.

Primitivo naturally has a high sugar content, which you can taste in the wine. Primitivo produces wines whose flavour can best be described as having a fruity character of black cherries and raspberries, followed by a ripe taste of black fruit, soft tannins and low acidity. This makes the wine very accessible, even for novice red wine drinkers!

Pair this wine with various grilled dishes based on meat or poultry, among other things. This wine also goes well with dishes with red sauces, various sausages and strong cheeses.

Daunia

Daunia is located in the north of Puglia, next to the regions of Molise, Campania and Basilicata. The wines that come from here are made in the traditional way. A number of grape varieties that thrive in this area are Montepulciano, Bombino (Bianco and Nero) and Nero di Troia.

This is partly due to the soil type and climate. The climate is characterised by cold winters, with periods of frost, and generally long, warm summers. This is typical of a continental climate.

Murgia

In central Puglia, you will find a higher rectangular plateau called Murgia. This area is characterised by rolling hills. The weather, in turn, is characterised by large temperature differences between day and night. There is relatively high rainfall. Closer to the Adriatic Sea, the climate becomes milder. The Nero di Troia grape variety thrives here. The wines produced are elegant in style, rich in fruit, with floral notes and a subtle spiciness.

Lower Murgia and Itria Valley

South of Bari, we find Brindisi and Lecce. Although the soil and climate appear to be similar to other regions, these are two distinctive areas. The Lower Murgia is a southern extension of the Murgia plateau, where the Primitivo grape thrives. In the Lower Murgia, there are more blue grapes, while in the Itria Valley, there are more white grapes. The climate in this area is known for its long, hot summers. The winters, on the other hand, are cold and harsh. The vineyards are located at an altitude of 350 to 420 metres. What immediately stands out is the red soil, which comes from the rock formations. The soil consists mainly of calcareous clay.

Magna Grecia

Magna Grecia is located on the inside of the heel. This wine region has a Mediterranean climate with frequent breezes from the coast. Summers are often dry and warm, and most of the rain falls during the winter. The area is largely flat, especially along the coast. Inland, the landscape becomes more hilly. Here we find soil types such as sand and clay, and the “terre rosse”, the characteristic red soil. The Primitivo grape also thrives here, especially in the area around Manduria.

Salento

Salento is located in the heel of Italy's boot. This area is surrounded by the sea on three sides and is therefore sometimes referred to as a peninsula. Salento is relatively flat and has a Mediterranean climate with many hours of sunshine. There is a constant sea breeze. This sea breeze protects the vines from the weather and also keeps insects at bay.

The soils in Salento consist mainly of clay, but you will also find:

• Finer calcareous soils, less thick and better drained
• Reddish terre rosse
• Rocky, mineral-rich soils

The peninsula offers an ideal habitat for a variety of grape varieties and subtly contributes to the personality of the different wines. The Negroamaro grape thrives here. This grape variety is characterised by its dark colour and produces powerful and fruity wines with noticeable tannins.

Vinatis offers a great selection of red, white and rosé wines from Puglia. Discover our selection from the famous producers and estates, such as Tagaro, Teanum, Botter and Notte Rossa.

Puglia wine region offers excellent value for money. At Vinatis, the price of Puglia wines ranges from £10 to £15 and £15 to £30 for the finest vintages.