Some wines leave a lasting impression - not necessarily the most famous or awarded ones, but those that speak of a place in a raw, unfiltered way. Puglia has many such wines, but here are three that deserve a spot in the memory (and the cellar) of any true wine lover. Bold reds, mineral whites, native grapes that defy trends and time. Let’s discover them together.
Primitivo di Manduria
It’s the first name that comes to mind when talking about Apulian wine - and for good reason. Primitivo di Manduria originates in a sun-drenched corner of Taranto province, where the warm climate and clay soils produce rich, ripe grapes full of sugars and structure.
In the glass, it reveals a deep ruby color, aromas of red fruit, sweet spices, and hints of cocoa or licorice. On the palate, it’s full-bodied, warm, and enveloping. But its real strength lies not only in its intensity—when well-made, it has balance, finesse, and just the right freshness to hold it all together.
Try it with flavorful meats, aged cheeses, or - why not - even a piece of dark chocolate.
Negroamaro Salento IGT
Less immediate than Primitivo, more reserved - but no less deep. Negroamaro is the other great red from Puglia, with a darker, more balsamic, almost introspective personality.
Its bouquet moves between blackberry, sour cherry, Mediterranean herbs, and spices. The taste is compact, savory, sometimes slightly rustic - and it’s precisely this earthy character that makes it so intriguing. A wine that tells the story of the most authentic Puglia.
Excellent with traditional dishes like orecchiette with meat sauce, eggplant parmigiana, or roasted meats.
Fiano di Puglia IGT
An Apulian white wine that surprises. Originally from Campania, Fiano finds a new voice in Puglia - brighter, rounder, but still fresh.
Here, it's often not alone. It may be vinified as a single variety or blended with Malvasia Bianca or Sauvignon to create more aromatic, modern expressions. That’s the case with Ficheto from Masseria Borgo dei Trulli, which combines all three into a fragrant, balanced white - perfect for summer dining.
In the glass, it offers aromas of white flowers, yellow-fleshed fruit, and aromatic herbs. On the palate, it’s savory, well-structured, with a slightly almondy finish.
Ideal for those who think Puglia is only about reds. Perfect with seafood starters, raw dishes, delicate risottos, and fresh cheeses.
Three wines, three stories, three different ways of telling Puglia’s tale. This isn’t a ranking, nor a podium - it’s simply an invitation to discover a region that has found one of its truest voices in wine. And if taste is subjective, these are bottles worth meeting at least once. Maybe even twice.