Beautiful Puglia, also known as Apulia, is located in the heel of Italy's metaphorical boot. It's one of the country's most important wine regions and produces phenomenal wines. The region produces white, red, and rosé wines. The indigenous grape varieties Nero di Troia, Negroamaro, and Primitivo have become world-renowned, and Puglia is very proud of this.

Puglia wines from the heel of the boot

A few decades ago, the Puglia wine region was primarily known for producing enormous quantities of bulk wine. The grapes were grown on a large scale, with little regard for quality. In the years that followed, many "bad" vineyards were cleared, allowing for a fresh start. Now, quality is paramount, which has led to significant improvements in Puglian wines. Today, several areas meet DOC quality standards. The Puglia wine region covers approximately 100,000 hectares. In the west, the emphasis is on red Primitivo grapes, while the robust Negroamaro is planted in the southern Salento peninsula.

The grape varieties in Puglia

Besides these two well-known grape varieties, Nero di Troia is also frequently found in sunny Puglia. Like Negroamaro, this red grape variety has a dark color and produces a wine rich in tannins. The Nero di Troia Puglia from Paradiso Basato showcases this grape's full potential like no other. Beautiful spices complement the refined tannins, and a hint of chocolate and cedar completes the tasting experience. The common Negroamaro means "black bitter" in Italian. This is due to the grape's bitter character, which is precisely why it pairs perfectly with hearty dishes. But besides these robust grape varieties, the Primitivo showcases Puglia's softer side. Take, for example, the Puglia Primitivo from the Duca di Saragnano winery. This red wine offers plenty of softness, along with spice and notes of raisins.

Puglia's most famous wine region

The Salento wine region is the beating heart of Puglia's wine production. It also boasts the best DOCs. Puglia's renowned wines, Negroamaro and especially Primitivo, put it on the world wine map. Salento is surrounded by the sea and is therefore often referred to as a peninsula. The area is relatively flat, and thanks to the sea, the vineyards enjoy a constant sea breeze, which protects the vines from the elements and keeps insects at bay. The soil consists primarily of clay, limestone, and rocky, mineral-rich soils.

But don't forget the other well-known regions like Daunia, Murgia, and Magna Grecia. Each region has its own unique climate and soil structure, allowing many different grape varieties to excel in Puglian wines. In Daunia, we find the Montepulciano and Bombino grapes, in Murgia, Nero di Troia takes center stage, and in Magna Grecia, the Primitivo grape thrives. The different regions perfectly reflect what Puglia's beautiful landscape has to offer.