The Italy Wine Project

Regions / Puglia

DOCGStill huntingModerate

Castel del Monte Nero di Troia Riserva DOCG

Nero di Troia (Uva di Troia) at its most serious: deep ruby, aromas of black cherry, violet, black pepper, licorice and a leafy, slightly savory edge. The tannins are firm and fine grained, more Nebbiolo like in structure than most southern reds, with medium plus acidity that keeps it fresh even at 14%. The riserva requirement means at least two years of aging, and the top bottlings improve for a decade. It is the strongest argument that Puglia can make structured, age worthy red.

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Bottles I'm chasing

ProducerWinePriceBuy
Rivera
Castel del Monte Nero di Troia Riserva 'Puer Apuliae'
Rivera's flagship from old vine Nero di Troia, black cherry, violet, tobacco, dense polished tannin, built for 10 plus years.
$40 to $50Wine-Searcher
Torrevento
Castel del Monte Nero di Troia Riserva 'Ottagono'
Value riserva from the Corato plateau, blackberry, pepper and dried herbs with a firm dusty finish.
$20 to $28Wine-Searcher
Cantine Carpentiere
Castel del Monte Nero di Troia Riserva 'Pietra dei Lupi'
Small family estate at high elevation near Corato, more floral and taut than the big houses; limited US presence, mostly via specialist shops.
$25 to $35Wine-Searcher