The Italy Wine Project

Regions / Puglia

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Castel del Monte DOC

The umbrella DOC for the high, limestone rich Murge plateau below Frederick II's octagonal castle, one of the coolest spots in Puglia. It covers everything from crisp Bombino Bianco and Chardonnay to Nero di Troia reds, Aglianico and rosato. Whites are lean and citrusy with a chalky finish; reds have more acidity and grip than typical Salento wine, with black cherry, violet and pepper. Rivera and Tormaresca are the names to look for on US shelves.

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Bottles I'm chasing

ProducerWinePriceBuy
Tormaresca (Antinori)
Castel del Monte Aglianico 'Bocca di Lupo'
Antinori's top Puglian red, Aglianico from Minervino Murge, blackberry, graphite, clove and dense fine tannin; ages well.
$45 to $60Wine-Searcher
Rivera
Castel del Monte Rosato 'Rosé'
Bombino Nero based rosato from the DOC (not the DOCG), pale, dry and crunchy with cherry and citrus; one of Italy's best value rosés.
$12 to $15Wine-Searcher
Torrevento
Castel del Monte Rosso 'Bolonero'
Nero di Troia and Aglianico, unoaked, plum and black pepper with soft tannin; everyday bottle from a large estate with US distribution.
$10 to $14Wine-Searcher