Best Apulian Alcoholic Beverage Types
Primitivo is an Italian grape variety with quite interesting origins. Research conducted in 1994 proved that the grape is identical to Californian Zinfandel, while it was later discovered that both grapes originated from an old and obscure Croatian grape Crljenak Kaštelanski.
Despite the same lineage, these grapes are influenced by their terroir, and they can slightly differ in character. In Italy, Primitivo is mostly cultivated in Apulia, where it is used in the appellation Primitivo di Manduria. Primitivo is a somewhat rustic wine, dark, intense, and rich in tannins that tend to mellow with age.
VARIATIONS OF Primitivo
Primitivo is a red grape variety grown in Puglia but considered genetically identical to Zinfandel in California and Crljenak Kaštelanski in Croatia. In Italy, the grape is predominately used in the production of Primitivo di Manduria (DOC), and its sweet DOCG version Dolce Naturale.
Dry Primitivo di Manduria wines can be enjoyed young, while the oak-aged varieties result in wines that are softer in tannins. The wines are rich, full-bodied, and high in alcohol, with flavors of dark fruits and hints of earthy leather notes. Because of its bold character, Primitivo di Manduria pairs well with roasts, grilled meat, and hearty pasta dishes.
Salice Salentino is an Italian appellation (DOC) located in the Apulia. The appellation allows the production of red, white, rosé, sparkling, and dessert wines, but red varieties remain the most common and the most important style of the entire region.
These approachable, fruit-forward red wines are made with Negroamaro as the principal grape variety. The wines are available as varietal and blends, which usually include a small amount of local Malvasia Nera. They typically have soft tannins, an intense ruby red color, fruity aromas reminiscent of dark berries, and spicy nuances.
Negroamaro is a red grape variety mostly found throughout Apulia, particularly in Salento, Lecce, Tarento, Brindisi, and Foggia. It is often used together with other regional grapes such as Malvasia Nera, Susumaniello, and Primitivo, although it also has excellent potential as a varietal wine.
Negroamaro has a somewhat rustic character with fruity and earthy nuances reminiscent of red and dark berries. With age, these dark-colored wines will typically develop herbaceous and spicy notes. Most examples have a medium to full body and typically high alcohol content.
Mostly cultivated in Campania, Fiano is an old Italian variety that has seen a significant revival since the 1980s. This low-yielding, early-ripening grape is praised for its ability to produce crisp and aromatic wines with a lot of character and herbaceous and fruity notes.
These wines are typically medium-bodied and intensely flavored. Young Fiano wines often display aromatic honey notes, and as they age, they tend to develop smoky and spicy notes dominated by hazelnut. The aromas are perfectly balanced with bright acidity.
VARIATIONS OF Fiano
Hailing from Apulia, this ruby red, intense Italian wine is exclusively produced from dried Primitivo grapes—which are genetically identical to Zinfandel in California and Crljenak Kaštelanski in Croatia. The wine is characterized by a well-balanced combination of fruity and spicy notes, as well as subtle residual sweetness. Primitivo di Manduria Dolce Naturale is a great wine to be enjoyed on its own, but it also pairs naturally with dry desserts, dry fruit, nuts, and blue cheeses.
Dolce Naturale was the first Apulian wine that was granted the prestigious DOCG status.
Elisir San Marzano is an Italian liqueur and a type of Amaro that hails from Puglia (province of Taranto). The liqueur is rum-based and flavored with a secret blend of botanicals, including spices, herbs, and roots such as wormwood, cinnamon, licorice root, cloves, and saffron.
The liqueur is dark and rich, with bittersweet flavor and notes reminiscent of warm spices, fruit, and chocolate. The history of the liqueur dates to the 19th century. Giuseppe Borsci, a member of the Borsci line—a family from the Caucasus who moved to Albania and then exiled to Italy—created a drink inspired by his family traditions.
Nero di Troia, also known as Uva di Troia, is an ancient Apulian grape primarily cultivated in northern Apulia. It most likely originates from the town of Troia in the province of Foggia. Although it was often overshadowed by the more popular Primitivo and Negroamaro, this late-ripening grape has shown great potential to produce well-structured, tannic wines with a distinctive character.
The grape is used in varietals and blends, several regional DOC appellations, and Castel del Monte Nero di Troia Riserva DOCG. It is often combined with Primitivo, Negroamaro, or Montepulciano. Blending grapes tend to tone down the tannins, but varietal Nero di Troia can result in excellent wines.
VARIATIONS OF Nero di Troia
Susumaniello is an Italian red grape synonymous with Apulia. It is a rare grape and one of many offspring of Garganega. Susumaniello is mainly cultivated in Brindisi, where it is usually used in blends, together with Malvasia Nera and Negroamaro, but it also shows good varietal potential.
This red-skinned grape is suitable for various styles, but it is mainly vinified into dry red wines. Most examples are soft and fruity, dominated by plum and cherry aromas. They are deeply colored, medium-bodied, and pleasantly tannic wines that can age well.
Castel del Monte is an Italian wine region located in Apulia that has been awarded DOCG status—the highest category in Italian wine regulations—for their wines made from purple-skinned Nero di Troia grapes. Also known as Uva di Troia, this native Apulian grape tends to produce rich, full-bodied wines and for this appellation, it has to make up at least 90% of the blend, while the wine must be aged for a minimum of two years, including one year in oak.
Castel del Monte wines made from Nero di Troia typically display fruity aromas of cherries, plums, and blackberries, which may develop into spicy notes of licorice, tobacco, and balsamic. They pair well with roasted, grilled, or braised meat, aged cheese, game, and rich pasta dishes.
Best Apulian Alcoholic Beverage Producers
AWARDS
Berlin Wine Trophy - Grand Gold
2022, 2017
Concours Mondial de Bruxelles - Grande Médaille d'or
2019
BEST Varvaglione Vigne & Vini Wines
AWARDS
Berlin Wine Trophy - Grand Gold
2024, 2022, 2018, 2017
BEST Cantine San Marzano Wines
AWARDS
Concours Mondial de Bruxelles - Grande Médaille d'or
2019
AWARDS
Concours Mondial de Bruxelles - Grande Médaille d'or
2022
BEST Azienda Agricola Tenute Chiaromonte Wines
AWARDS
Concours Mondial de Bruxelles - Grande Médaille d'or
2022
BEST Conte Spagnoletti Zeuli Az.Agr. Wines
AWARDS
Concours Mondial de Bruxelles - Grande Médaille d'or
2024, 2023
BEST Leone de Castris S.r.l. Wines
AWARDS
Concours Mondial de Bruxelles - Grande Médaille d'or
2024
BEST Agricola Jessyflor srl Wines
AWARDS
Frankfurt International Trophy - Grand Gold
2021, 2019
BEST Az. Agr. Paolo Patruno - Tenuta Patruno Perniola Wines
AWARDS
Concours Mondial de Bruxelles - Grande Médaille d'or
2022
BEST Menhir Salento S.P.A. Wines
Best Apulian Alcoholic Beverages
AWARDS
World Gin Awards - Country Winner
2022
AWARDS
Concours Mondial de Bruxelles - Grande Médaille d'or
2022
AWARDS
Concours Mondial de Bruxelles - Grande Médaille d'or
2022
AWARDS
Concours Mondial de Bruxelles - Grande Médaille d'or
2023
AWARDS
Concours Mondial de Bruxelles - Grande Médaille d'or
2024
AWARDS
Concours Mondial de Bruxelles - Grande Médaille d'or
2024
AWARDS
Frankfurt International Trophy - Grand Gold
2019
AWARDS
Concours Mondial de Bruxelles - Grande Médaille d'or
2022
AWARDS
Concours Mondial de Bruxelles - Grande Médaille d'or
2019
AWARDS
Concours Mondial de Bruxelles - Grande Médaille d'or
2019
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