Salento and Apulian wines in general: organolepticity
Apulian grape varieties differ in type, cultivation areas and organolepticity because Puglia has a dry climate, due to the two seas that bathe it, the Adriatic and the Ionian Sea.
Apulian vines: from Gargano to Salento
Localized from Gargano to Salento, the Apulian grape varieties and vineyards of Puglia, give life to some of the most appreciated wines of southern Italy, such as Malvasia or Aglianico. Perfect to match both first courses and second courses, Apulian wines can contain all the sunny essence of this sunny part of Italy. Here are some of the main vines of the region and the characteristics that present their grapes.
Aglianico, perfect for Amatriciana and pecorino cheese
One of the best known and most appreciated grape qualities of Apulia is Aglianico, brought to southern Italy during the period of Greek colonization. The cluster is medium to small in size and has a beautiful blue color, which stands out in the first weeks of October. Compared to other vines the Aglianico grape harvest is rather late and gives life to a perfect wine to combine with pasta, such as the amatriciana with cheeky pork, red meats and cheeses, especially pecorino cheese. In Apulia, this vine is cultivated on the border areas with Basilicata, in particular in the provinces of Bari and Taranto.
The black malvasia of Brindisi, excellent with sauces
Another typical grape variety of the Apulian territory is Malvasia, mainly spread in the territory of Brindisi and Lecce. Salento is the ideal setting for the production of this black wine, which can reach 12% vol. in its minimum alcohol content. Malvasia from Brindisi can also be used for the preparation of intense white wines, with which to dilute the angularity of the lighter grapes. Wine of excellent drink, it is perfectly matched with white meats, accompanied by spicy sauces of Apulian territory. The ruby red colour of this label is one of the most characteristic of the region and makes it a certified excellence with the IGP mark.
The Bombino, the white to accompany the pasta
Among the grape varieties present in Apulian territory, white grapes must also be considered. One of the most characteristic is Bombino Bianco, a grape grown exclusively in the province of Foggia, a short distance from the Gargano mountains. The medium-large berries have a splendid amber color and its juice produces wines such as San Severo Bianco and Cacc’ and Mmitte from Lucera. The best combinations with these labels include first courses, such as Amatriciana and gnocchi, which will be enhanced by a minimum alcohol content of 10.5 % vol. Bombino grows mainly on clayey soils, rich in nutrients and well exposed to the Adriatic currents.
Verdeca, the Apulian white berry for excellence
The wine tour in Apulia cannot end without having appreciated the qualities of Verdeca. This grape is mainly cultivated in the territory of Gravina in Puglia, in the province of Bari, and is characterized by an evident green color, hence also the name of the grape variety. The wines produced by these vineyards have an intense fruity aroma, which refers to the scent of medlar and peaches, and have a very intense and fresh taste. The versatility makes them excellent for both first and second courses, such as meats with spicy sauces.
Want to taste the excellent Salento wine, get to know the wine producer and chat with him at dinner, after harvesting and visiting one of the most beautiful hamlets in Italy? This experience “Discover the grape harvest and dinner in the cellar in the wonderful Specchia” is for you. Book now!