My Favorite Wine Region: Italy

One of my favorite wine regions is in Italy, specifically Apulia, more known as Puglia. Located in the southern peninsular of the country, Puglia borders the Adriatic Sea (East), the Strait of Otranto, and the Ionian Sea (Southeast). For those who prefer a visual, Puglia is the heel of Italy's "boot."

Puglia is known for its fruit-forward red wines and provides robust foundational knowledge for those just starting with Italian wines and looking to broaden their palette. Interestingly, a great deal of the region produces many unique sweet red wines and is by far the only region to have command of these types of wines worldwide. 

Puglia's grape varietals include Sangiovese (red cherries, earthy aromas, usually medium tannins, and high acidity). Primitivo (Zinfandel): Depending on the grape's ripeness and climate, Primitivo can consist of flavors like raspberry, blackberry, anise, and light pepper notes. It's also quite rustic and high in alcohol and acidity. Negroamaro produces deep and robust blackberry and cherry flavors, and there's an earthy bitterness to its profile. Montepulciano (my personal favorite) is as rustic as it gets. It's highly aromatic, deep in color (blackberries and cherries), pepper and spice notes, and often leaves a long finish. Last and certainly not least, there's Trebbiano, a crisp and light-bodied grape with notes of lemon, green apple, and stone fruit; it goes exceptionally well with Pesto alla Genovese (Genoese Pesto).

I can go on and on about Italy. The rich history, culture, and food make learning and drinking Italian wines an exciting and flavorful experience. I'll leave you with an Italian proverb: In vino veritas... In wine, there is truth.  Saluti!