THE TERROIR OF PUGLIA
The regions richly fertile soils and beautiful climate make it a no-brainer as an option for growing grapes. Puglia has a relatively hot and dry climate that’s tempered by cool breezes from the surrounding water, resulting in expressive and delicious wines. The incredibly diverse geography of the region produces wines that are endlessly varied in terroir. Puglia currently has 29 DOC and 4 DOCG wine regions, mostly concentrated in the Salento region at the very heel of Italy’s boot.
Over the past few years, Puglia has gone through some major changes in the quality of their wines due to caring producers and new regulations. Once quantity focused, the region now has winemakers who want to show the world how amazing Apulian wines can be.
If you love Italian wines, this is definitely the region to keep your eyes on. Look no further than this list for a foundation in major Apulian vino! While this list isn’t exhaustive as there are many grape varieties found in the region, these are the major grapes you will come across when you first dive into the beautiful world of Pugliese glou-glou!
RED WINE
Red wines are the bread and butter of Puglia, making up most of the region’s wine. If you like fruit forward, full red wines then this is the region for you! And rosé fans? Many of these grapes make some of the best rosés in Italy as well!
Puglia, also known as Apulia, is the land of voluptuous reds made with indigenous varieties. The three most important red grapes are Negroamaro, Primitivo and Uva di Troia (also known as Nero di Troia). Negroamaro is the most widely grown grape in the region and it is used to make some of the region’s best wines, including the budget-friendly and rustically delicious Salice Salentino. Primitivo delivers deep-colored wines with ripe berry, spicy notes, and refreshing acidity. Fun fact, Primitivo is the same grape variety as California’s Zinfandel, native to the Dalmatian coast of Croatia. Look for Primitivo di Manduria and Primitivo di Manduria Dolce Naturale DOCG, a sweet wine, as they are luscious examples of this grape. Uva di Troia makes the powerful, robust Castel del Monte Nero di Troia Riserva DOCG.
NEGROAMARO
The name Negroamaro means “black bitter” in Italian. The grapes are in fact quite dark in color, and wines made from Negroamaro will typically have a distinct bitter profile. The grape is well suited to Puglia’s climate with its thick skins and drought resistant nature. Many Apulian rosés are typically made from Negroamaro.
Wine Profile: Ruby-Violet in color. Aromas of red cherry, tobacco, and licorice that transition into black pepper, prune, and herbaceous notes with age. Flavors typically of ripe blackberry and tobacco. Full bodied with soft tannin. This wine is best between 3-7 years old but can be had with up to 10 years of age. It can be drunk at room temperature, but a slight chill is also pleasantly refreshing.
PRIMITIVO
Primitivo is the same grape as California Zinfandel. The name means “early ripening” in old Italian, a name true to its typically early harvest in August. The grape is less robust than Negramaro, being sensitive to drought, high temperatures, and frost. Primitivo has a naturally high sugar content and its wine was traditionally praised for its high alcohol content (it can reach upward to 18% ABV!). The intense aromatics have garnered Primitivo popularity in modern times.
Primitivo displays aromas of sour and Black Cherry as well as Raspberry. Taste is jammy black fruit with low acidity and moderate tannin as long as it sees a little barrel time. The wine is usually Big & Bold.
NERO d' TROI
This black skinned grape is perfectly at home in the northern part of Puglia, especially Foggia and northern Bari. This late-ripening variety has two growing styles: large berry, tight cluster which is suitable for high yields, and small berry, loose cluster which is suited for high quality. The relatively high astringency of the grape makes it common in red blends.
SUSUMANIELLO
Susumaniello is a little-known red-wine grape from Puglia, southern Italy. Grown almost exclusively in the Salice Salento area, and in a tiny number of vineyards around Brindisi, it ranks among the world's rarest wine grapes.
VERDECA
Verdeca is a white grape grown almost exclusively in Puglia but is slowly falling out of favor in the wine world. It is a very neutral flavored grape and historically was most commonly used in vermouth production. Now it is typically found in blends. But don’t count Verdeca out! It’s very easy drinking and refreshing with notes of citrus, pineapple, and bergamot.
Vedeca usually displays mineral notes in the palate, as well as a bit of herbal notes and citrus flavors.
LOCOROTONDO DOC
Locorotondo will be a fun revelation for any wine lover, but in particular for those who are drawn to lean and flinty whites. One sip will sail you to the Adriatic coast, where the sea is turquoise blue, the Olive Groves are Ancient, and the Fish is so fresh it hops from the water to your plate. A blend of co-planted Verdeca, Bianco d’Alessano, and Minutolo—an indigenous, aromatic variety only recently recovered from the brink of extinction—epitomizes the richness of local Italian heritage. It’s zesty and cleansing, with just a spritz of orange blossom.
Locorotondo DOC is a dry white wine, made from the rarely seen Verdeca grape (50-60%) and Bianco d’Alessano (30-50%), Fiano and/or Bombino, Malvasia Toscana (0-5%). The wine is grown around the city of Locorotondo, in the Itria Valley.
Often, Locorotondo DOC is perceived as the best Apulian white wine and undoubtedly, it has great qualities: a pleasant, subtle and fruity taste, with an almond-like aftertaste, which makes it excellent for fish dishes.
The color is light straw green and if the wine originates from certain producers, including the local CS Cooperativa Locorotondo, its quality is truly exceptional. Unfortunately, some producers make almost tasteless versions of this glorious white wine.
A nice sparkling wine with these same grapes (Verdeca, Bimbino Bianco & Alessano) is produced in Locorotondo as Locorotondo Spumante DOC. It is gaining in popularity as more and more tourist visit Puglia each year.
Bombino Bianco
Bombino Bianco is an easy growing, resistant grape varietal with high yields. Though typically blended with red grapes or used in sparkling wines, Bombino Bianco can be found in still wines on its own. Unlike many wine varieties, it is also used to make raisins.
Wine Profile: Color is lemon yellow with hints of pale green. This is a very neutral and subtle grape that can sometimes express soft citrus fruit and floral notes with touches of minerality.
Greco Bianco
This grape reportedly has Greek origins and has an incredibly long history of over 2500 years. It is genetically similar to the variety Asprinio. The late maturing Greco Bianco is almost always used in a blend with other Apulian varieties, though a passito dessert wine called Greco di Bianco can also be made in Calabria.
FALANGHINA
Of Greek origins, Falanghina arrived in Italy through the landings of the Greeks on the shores of the Gargano, then it spread and affirmed in Campania region too.
LOCOROTONDO BIANCO
No comments:
Post a Comment