Puglian Pleasures

Grapevines have dominated the Puglian landscape since 700 BC. However, it was with the unification of Italy that brought about the Viticulture Project to produce good quality wines. Previously, the focus was on quantity, not quality and mass grape production generated a good income for local families. Many of the grapes were sold to other countries, Germany, France and Spain, and only a small amount were retained and bottled in the Puglian region.

Today, Puglian wines are appreciated all over the world, although, unlike the period prior to unification, I believe the Italians now keep the best wines for themselves! So, if you want to experience great quality Puglian Wines, then you will have to plan a trip here! The warm climate and rich red fertile soil, makes it an ideal place to generate quality grapes and excellent wines. Here are some of the most popular Puglian wines.

Red Wine Varieties and their characteristics

Primitivo – Very complex and full-bodied wine with an intense nose of sweet jammy red fruits and blackberries that gives it a very strong character. Black pepper and chocolate spicy aroma. Well-balanced and soft tannins.

Negroamaro – Ruby red in colour with pleasant concentrated aromas, from ripe red berries to spices and a hint of vanilla.

Nero di Troia – The colour is bright ruby red with violet hues that herald the complexity of the structure. Hints of blackberry, black cherry, and red berries.

Malvasia Nera – Ruby ​​red wine with violet hues. The nose is fruity and aromatic with notes of pomegranate and raspberry. The palate shows good structure, good alcohol and discreet flavour, with balanced acidity.

Aglianico – Ruby ​​red garnet with hints of strawberry and raspberry; dry, fruity and harmonious.

Susumaniello – Deep ruby ​​red colour with shades of deep purple. The aromas explode in hints of red fruits and jam.

Aleatico: Dessert wine – Ruby ​​red in colour with purple hues. Intense fruitiness and a soft lingering sweetness.

White Wines Varieties

Verdeca – Golden in colour with clear hints of quince. Floral with elder and peach blossoms. Aromas of balsamic, rosemary and sage.

Bombino Bianco – Pale yellow in colour with fruity aromas of apple and chamomile.

Banco D’alessano Very pale yellow colour with delicate fruit flavours.

Impigno – Pale yellow in colour with fruity aromas, dry and well balanced.

Fiano – Shiny straw-yellow in colour with delicate aromatic scents of citrus fruits, with the sweetness of apricot and peach which increase its complexity.

Malvasia Bianca – Straw yellow colour with golden hues. Fresh and fruity aromas with hints of almonds, hazelnuts, apricots and delicate floral notes.

Falanghina – Straw yellow in colour with delicate fruity notes of citrus and light floral undertones.

There are also many popular blended wines such as the red Salice Salentino and the white Locorotondo. Rosè is particularly popular here during the summer months. You can also find some popular international grape varieties such as Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay.

For more information on Puglian Wines, visit Unique Backroad Journey
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Veni Vidi Vini: Italian wine and wine culture