 Puglia is the most productive Italian region for bread, olive oil and wine-competing with Sicily for its volume of grape production. In the past, many French and northern Italian wines were cut with southern Pugliese wines in order to fortify them. Its 20 DOC's are comprised of three basic varietals: Primitivo, a varietal genetically linked to Zinfandel; Negroamaro, and Malvasia Nera. Puglia is currently undergoing a metamorphosis: once sprawling co-op estate organizations are scaling down production and using modern trellis systems instead of the large tendone, or canopy, framework. Many big players on the Italian wine scene have made heavy investments in Puglia, making expected production extremely interesting. Combine that with the fact that a fair amount of wines from this region carry a fair price, and the future looks very bright.Back to Regions
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Red Wine: |
 GRAPE: Negroamaro (90%) and Malvasia Nera (10%)
REGION: Puglia
COLOR: Ruby Red
TASTE: From a small hill town on the heel of the Italian peninsula comes this elegant and powerful red that shows concentrated flavors of plums and black cherries balanced out by six months of aging in small oak barrels. A versatile wine that complements any meal, from pizza to ossobuco. |
 GRAPE: Negroamaro and Malvasia Nera
REGION: Puglia
COLOR: Deep Plum
TASTE: A concentrated red from the Puglia region, Squinzano is a blend of Negroamaro and Malvasia Nera grapes. Founded in 1927 by Pascuale Mottura, Villa Mottura has created a tradition of making low yield, high quality “cru” wines. From the “heel of the boot” of Italy comes this inky red, filled with burnt plum fruit; a light earthiness; full body; and a long, spicy finish. Aged in oak casks for one year, this unfiltered and unfined red may throw some sediment. |
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Red Wine: |
 GRAPE: Negroamaro
REGION: Puglia
COLOR: Ruby Red tending towards violet
TASTE: This refreshing red is filled with ripe flavors of dark berries fruit complemented by a medium body, and a soft, velvety finish laced with a hint of white pepper and lengthy tannins. To the nose it is full and very intense, persistent long-lasting with the sharp notes of berries. This is a wine to be served throughout the meal. Excellent with pizza, sharp/full-fat cheeses, hearty dishes with tomato sauce as well as roasts and all savory foods. |
 GRAPE: Primitivo
REGION: Puglia
COLOR: Deep Ruby Red
TASTE: From the easternmost part of Italy (the heel), and one of the most prolific wine producing areas since Phoenician times, the Primitivo grape produces rich, dark, fruity wine of distinctive character. Known as the father of Zinfandel, this wine shows similar qualities without the “jammy” mouth feel of the California style; a pronounced vinuous quality is readily apparent on the nose, followed by a collage of flavors. Bright plums and burnt cherries are complimented by pepper spice and laced with mineral notes. A full- bodied wine, great with barbecued meats, roasts, game, and hearty pasta sauces. |
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