Apulia is the region of sun, sea, long beaches, olive trees and … vineyards!

Yes, Apulia gives us some very good wines, to the point of thinking of a list of the best Apulian wines to add to our tables.   

 Here are the 10 best wines of Apulia

 Outside the regional boundaries, the Apulian wines have established themselves as the most suitable for meats, game, and strong cheeses. Today the Apulian wines represent the pride this land and not only in this region.

 Although Puglia produces rosé and white wines, the reds that establish themselves for quality and popularity.

TOP TEN

 Primitivo di Manduria

 The Primitivo di Manduria is a product of the Taranto land (the area surrounding Manduria), in these areas the grapes grow on soils rich in limestone and clay, in fact, they are often located near the sand dunes of the Ionian Sea.

 These grapes ripen early, at the end of August, still has an alcohol content of 14% and is suitable to accompany cold cuts, strong cheeses, and dishes based on pork, ragù, and everything with character!

 Nero di Troia

 The intense ruby red is what you see when pouring the Troia “black”.  Typical of the area near the town of Troia (yes, in Apulia there is a town with the same name as the most famous Troy), in the province of Foggia, its origins date back to the 12th century, during the reign of Frederick II of Swabia. Feelings of blackberry and licorice, spicy and woody taste.

 Negroamaro

 The Negramaro is among the main vineyards of the region and dates back to the 6th century BC., this wine has long been used as a blended wine for its vigor.  Its intense and unmistakable red color, as well as its perfume being fruity and vinous with delicate scents of blackberries and tobacco, is particularly good in the colder seasons.

 Salice Salentino

 The most famous wine of Salento is from the extreme south of Apulia. A hint of plum and cherry, a dark ruby red color tinged with purple, makes it somewhat poetic. Rich and structured and with a pleasantly bitter aftertaste that accompanies meat, cheese, and tasty first courses.

Castel del Monte Aglianico

 Aglianico, which is produced also in the Basilicata Region, is grown between Barletta, Andria, Trani, and Bari.  Its ruby red color and the delicate and suggestive scent of a delicate red wine, make it true excellence of the territory.

 The taste is dry and at the same time harmonious, it is (ideally) served at 16 degrees.  

Rosso di Cerignola

The Rosso di Cerignola DOC is one of the most important Apulian wines produced in the Foggia area, officially created in 1974. The wines of the Rosso di Cerignola DOC denomination are based on various local grape varieties such as the aforementioned Nero di Troia which, when mixed, give life to this a particularly dry wine that goes well with stewed meats, braised meats, and medium-aged pecorino cheeses.

 Cacc’e Mmitte di Lucera

The Cacc’e Mmitte di Lucera (the name means more or less; “fill it up again”), is a DOC wine (denomination attributed in 1975) whose production is allowed in the area between the slopes of the Dauno Apennines, in the territories of the municipalities of Lucera, Biccari and Troia, in the province of Foggia, just south of the Gargano. Made with grapes of Troia (locally known as Sumarello), from 35 to 60%; Montepulciano, Sangiovese and Malvasia of Brindisi, alone or jointly, from 25 to 35%; Trebbiano Toscano, Bombino Bianco, and Malvasia del Chianti, alone or jointly, from 15 to 30%.

Terra d’Otranto

The wines of the denomination Terra d’Otranto DOC are mainly based on the Chardonnay, Primitivo, Black Malvasia of Lecce, Black Malvasia of Brindisi, Black Malvasia of Basilicata, Chardonnay, White Malvasia, White Malvasia of Candia, White Malvasia, Fiano, Verdeca, Aleatico.  The mixture of these vines gives life to exceptional products with unique notes and perfect for any taste.

 Aleatico di Puglia

 Among the provinces of Bari, Brindisi, Foggia, Lecce and Taranto, Aleatico di Puglia is produced, a “precious” wine with a garnet red color tending towards orange according to the level of aging;  Aleatico is delicate, sweet and mellow, perfect to accompany desserts, dry pastries, and desserts based on chocolate and honey.

 Tavoliere delle Puglie

Among the DOC wines that deserve to be mentioned, we find the Tavoliere delle Puglie produced between Foggia, Barletta-Andria-Trani.  The wines of this denomination are red and rosé wines that blend well with foods such as red meat, game, aged cheeses, and peasant salamis.  The alcohol content of the different types of Tavoliere DOC is around 12° and 13° even though they are full-bodied wines.

I particularly like the Terra Rossa wines. The Primitivo, Negroamaro, Salice Salentino, and also their Primitivo del Salento, which is featured above.

My list:  The Best Italian Wines is growing and becoming more comprehensive!