Apulia wine

Apulia Wine

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Vineyards in the Apulia region

Official name
Other names
Type	Wine region
Year established	Ancient
Years of wine industry
Country	Italy
Part of
Other regions in vicinity
Sub-regions
Location

Apulia wine refers to the wines produced in the Apulia region of Italy, a region renowned for its rich history in viticulture and winemaking. Apulia, known as Puglia in Italian, is located in the southeastern part of the country, forming the "heel" of Italy's "boot". The region is characterized by its Mediterranean climate, fertile soils, and a long tradition of wine production that dates back to ancient times.

History

The history of winemaking in Apulia can be traced back to the ancient Greeks and Romans, who recognized the region's potential for producing high-quality wines. The Greeks introduced viticulture to the area, and the Romans further developed it, making Apulia one of the most important wine-producing regions in the Roman Empire.

During the Middle Ages, the region's wine production declined due to various socio-political factors, but it experienced a revival during the Renaissance. In the modern era, Apulia has become one of Italy's leading wine producers, known for both its quantity and quality of wine.

Geography and Climate

Apulia is characterized by its flat plains and rolling hills, with a coastline that stretches along the Adriatic Sea to the east and the Ionian Sea to the south. The region's climate is typically Mediterranean, with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. This climate, combined with the region's limestone and clay soils, provides ideal conditions for growing a variety of grapevines.

Grape Varieties

Apulia is home to a diverse range of grape varieties, both indigenous and international. Some of the most notable indigenous varieties include:

• Primitivo: Known for producing rich, full-bodied red wines with high alcohol content and flavors of dark fruit and spice.
• Negroamaro: A dark-skinned grape that produces robust red wines with notes of blackberries and herbs.
• Nero di Troia: Also known as Uva di Troia, this grape is used to make deeply colored, tannic wines with floral and fruity aromas.

International varieties such as Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot are also cultivated in the region, often blended with local grapes to create unique wines.

Wine Styles

Apulia produces a wide range of wine styles, from robust reds to refreshing whites and rosés. The region is particularly famous for its red wines, which are often full-bodied and high in alcohol. Some of the most notable wine styles include:

• Primitivo di Manduria: A DOC wine made from the Primitivo grape, known for its intense flavors and high alcohol content.
• Salice Salentino: A DOC wine primarily made from Negroamaro, offering rich flavors of dark fruit and spices.
• Castel del Monte: A DOCG wine that can be red, white, or rosé, often made from Nero di Troia.

Wine Production

Apulia is one of Italy's largest wine-producing regions, with approximately 85,000 hectares of vineyards. The region produces around 8 million hectoliters of wine annually, making it a significant contributor to Italy's overall wine production. The focus in recent years has shifted towards quality over quantity, with many producers emphasizing traditional methods and sustainable practices.

Also see

• Italian wine
• Viticulture
• Mediterranean climate
• Ancient Roman wine