Puglia is famous for its robust, full-bodied reds bursting with concentrated flavours. Some of the best-known include:
Primitivo: A juicy, bold, full-bodied red with characteristic fruit flavours of fresh figs, blackberries and dried fruits. This variety is Puglia’s most popular and thrives in the Manudria and Gioia del Colle regions, where it is known locally as “mirr test” (hard wine).
Negroamaro: A more widespread variety than Primitivo, it grows throughout South Puglia. These grapes create easy-drinking, full-bodied reds with bold fruit flavours and hints of baking spice. These wines are very food-friendly, and a common sight on Puglian dinner tables.
Salice Salentino: This wine is primarily made from the Negroamaro grape, often blended with Malvasia Nera, another local grape. Dry and full-bodied, these wines are known for their robust body, low acidity and flavours of baked raspberries, plum, cinnamon, all-spice and star anise.
Nero di Troia (also known as Uva di Troia): This grape is native to the northern part of Puglia and is known for producing bold and spicy red wines with flavours of dark cherry, plum and hints of violets.
Bombino Nero: Although not as well-known as Primitivo or Negroamaro, Bombino Nero is used to produce some light and fruity reds and rosés in the region.