These are charming wines that offer great value… All would be welcome in my glass anytime!

I recently had the opportunity to sample a handful of Puglia Rosé (a.k.a Rosato) in conjunction with a Puglia Rosé Masterclass sponsored by the Puglia In Rosé Association, an organization dedicated to the promotion of Puglia’s Rosé wines.

Disclosure: I received these wines as a media samples. I received no compensation for this post, and all opinions presented are my own.

About Puglia

Puglia is located on the eastern shores of southern Italy, in what is often referred to as the heel” of the “boot” that is Italy. Most historian agree that its name is derived a-Pluvia, which means land without rain. Italians are attracted to the region for its many miles of coastland. Olives (half of Italy’s total olive-oil production is from Puglia) and grapes are the region’s two main crops. It is estimated that around 40% of Italy’s Rosé is produced in Puglia.

Puglia at a glance:

Area under vine:  83,000 hectares, distributed mainly in the plains (70%) and hills (29.5%).
Climate:  Mediterranean climate, with mild winters, minimal rain, and hot summers. The cooling breezes from the Mediterranean Sea preserves much-needed acidity in the grapes.
Grape Varieties:  The principal grape varieties Primitivo, Negroamaro , Uva di Troia, and Bombino Nero for reds and Falanghina, Fiano and Muscat for whites, but there are 50 permitted grapes in the region
Four macro wine regions:  

• The Capitanata – located in the northernmost part of Foggia province. Vineyards are planted primarily on limestone soils on rocky slopes
• Tavoliere delle Puglie – Mostly in the Foggia province, and minimally in the province of Barletta-Andria-Trani (“BAT”). Vineyards are planted gentle plains of this region, which are composed of alluvial soils of sand and clay. 
• Murgia – This region is composed of a mix of calcareous-clay, and closer to the ocean, tufaceous and sandy soils.
• Salento – As noted in map above, this region is composed of the provinces of Taranto, Brindisi, and Lecce. It’s soils are comprised of  a mix of limestone and clay.

Puglia has a long tradition of pink wine production, a modern plethora of DOC, IGT and IGP denominations, and an eclectic range of grape varieties for rosato. It became the first Italian rosato to achieve international fame when, in 1943, the Leone de Castris family began selling their Salento-made pink wine to the American armed forces (Source)

When it comes Puglian Rosé Bombino Nero is a leading protagonist. The grape is genetically incapable of ripening completely and its low sugar, light tannins and high acidity make it ideal crisp Rosés.

The Wines

2019 Cantine LeGrotte Nero di Troia Selva della Rocca Puglia IGT

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The wine is raspberry colored with raspberry, strawberry, watermelon, dried herb, and savory spice aromas. On the palate it’s between light and medium-bodied, dry and fresh with ripe fresh fruit flavors of raspberries, strawberries, red plum with an appealing hint of savory spice with a wet stone minerality. 100 % Nero di Troia (a.k.a Uva di Troia), an ancient purple-skinned variety native to Puglia. Raised in stainless steel|12% abv|SRP – 3,50€

It was delightful paired with one of our favorite go-to dishes Sardines, Breadcrumbs and Capers!

2019 Donna Viola Tramonto

Pale salmon color with cherry Jolly Rancher, red apple, orange zest, and tobacco leaf aromas On the palate it’s medium-bodied and dry with vibrant, tangy acidity and tart cherry, red apple, just ripe strawberry, grapefruit zest and and subtle savory spice flavors. 100% Bombino Nero|13% abv|SRP – 4,70€

Deep pink color with candied cherry, strawberry, rose and a hint of lavender aromas. On the palate it’s dry, medium-bodied, crisp and fresh with sour cherry, strawberry, raspberry, and a hint of pink grapefruit flavors. 100% Sangiovese raised in stainless steel|12.5% abv|SRP – 2,95€

2019 Azienda Agricola Greco Romaldo Puro Malvasia Nera

Coral pink color with red berry fruit, citrus peel, wet stone and a hint of spice aromas. On the palate, it approached medium-bodied with mouthwatering, tangy acidity and ripe fresh strawberry, red cherry, raspberry, mandarin orange marmalade, and spice flavors. This one is akin to biting into ripe, fresh red fruits. 100% Malvasia Nera|12.5% abv|3,90€

2019 Villa Schinosa Pezza Galitta

Deep pink color with sour cherry, pomegranate, strawberry, wet stone and red rose aromas. On the palate, it’s medium-bodied, and dryish with red cherry, ripe fresh strawberry, pomegranate and dried herb flavors with an appealing wet stone minerality. Blend of 70% Bombino Nero; 30% Aglianico| 12% abv| SRP – 3,00€

These are charming wines that offer great value (priced between 3,00€ and 5,00€, which is roughly $4-$6 USD), made from (mostly) indigenous grapes. The style is dry and fruity. The wines are redolent of red fruit aromas and flavors nicely complicated with citrus, floral and often spice and dried herb notes which lend the wines appealing savory notes.

I especially appreciate the diverse range of grapes used for these wines. And for my palate, their medium-bodied character gives them a higher aptitude for food pairing than lighter bodied versions of Rosé. These can be sipped as not only an apertivo, but throughout your meal. Pair with antipasti, pasta, fish or meat.

All would be welcome in my glass anytime! The challenge may be finding them here in the U.S. When I checked by favorite (very well-stocked) wine store they had one rosé from Puglia. Having said that, these are wines worth seeking!

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