Apulia: the best red wines produced in the land of the sun

Among the most beautiful regions in Italy, Apulia is one of the most profitable when it comes to wine production. In terms of quantity, there are numerous quality Apulian wines that contribute to making this region famous throughout the world. In particular, it is the red wines - Negroamaro, Primitivo and Nero di Troia - that stand out.

Primitivo di Manduria, warm and embracing

Widespread from Abruzzo to Basilicata, from Sardinia to Campania, it is in Apulia that Primitivo finds its chosen territory. Known as Zinfandel in California, it is one of the most important grape varieties in southern Italy.

The origins of Primitivo are uncertain, but it is believed to have been brought to Apulia over 2000 years ago by the ancient Illyrian people and certainly owes its name to the early ripening of the grapes. If the history of this vine begins in the Murge, in the north of the region, it is then in the sunny lands of Salento that it reaches its peak of improvement.

In fact, Primitivo di Manduria is the Denominazione d'Origine Controllata whose production is allowed in the province of Taranto. The regulations state that this vine must be grown according to the Apulian alberello system.

The Primitivo di Manduria DOC foresees further typologies beyond the classic one, in particular:

• Primitivo di Manduria Dolce Naturale;
• Primitivo di Manduria Riserva DOC;
• Primitivo di Manduria Liquoroso Dry;
• Primitivo di Manduria Liquoroso dolce naturale.

At its best - the Devoto Primitivo di Manduria DOC 2020 is an example - the wine conveys all the warmth of the Apulian lands. It is a warm and enveloping Italian red wine characterised by fruity notes of cherry, blackberry, plum and sweet spices.

Negroamaro, with impenetrable colour

Negroamaro is a black grape variety grown almost exclusively in Apulia, particularly in the Salento area. Considering the area cultivated and the quality, it can be considered, together with Primitivo, the most important vine in Apulia.

The origin of the name is uncertain, but according to some it is nothing more than the repetition of the word nero in two languages: niger in Latin and μαύρο in Greek. According to others, it all depends on the very dark colour of the grapes and the bitter taste of the wine. While for years it was used as a blending and export grape, it is only recently that producers have started using it as their main grape variety. Not only vinified in red, but also for the production of rosé wines.

Its colour is an impenetrable intense ruby red, tending to stand out with garnet reflections as it ages. Its nose is complex and fruity, characterised by hints of black cherry and plum, ending with spicy sensations of tobacco. An example is Canonico Negroamaro Salento IGP, to be tasted in Gran Balon in combination with a meat menu.

Nero di Troia

Also known as Uva di Troia, Nero di Troia is the third most important Apulian grape variety, after Primitivo and Negroamaro. Cultivated throughout the region, the historical area embraces the cities of Barletta, Cerignola and Lucera - in particular the town of Troia - from which it takes its name.

Compared to Primitivo and Negroamaro, Nero di Troia is a vine with a finer body, high tannin content and a good predisposition to ageing. For a long time it was relegated to a secondary role, and only in recent times has it begun to receive the right recognition.

The resulting wine has an intense ruby red colour, almost black - hence the name - and is immediately recognisable on the nose thanks to hints of blackberries and liquorice. Pleasantly tannic, Nero di Troia Puglia IGT 2018 stands out for its Mediterranean warmth, perfect when paired with a meat menu or aged cheeses.

Let yourself be enveloped by the warmth of the best Apulian red wines selected for you by the experts at Svinando!