Italian Charm – Budget Wine Selection
Take a flavourful journey this six handpicked wines from across Italy’s most celebrated regions, including Tuscany, Veneto, Piedmont, and more. Each bottle captures the unique character, vibrant fruit, and elegant structure that make Italian wines so beloved worldwide.
Perfect for wine lovers, gifting, or exploring Italy from the comfort of home, this pack brings diversity, quality, and excitement to every sip. Whether for casual dinners or special celebrations, Italian Escape is your passport to Italy’s finest wines.
1 x Giulio Straccali Chianti Classico 2020 - Tuscany, Italy
91/100 James Suckling (2016 vintage)
92/100 James Suckling (2015 vintage)
James Suckling "Very aromatic with dried rose petals and blackberries on the nose. Full body, a soft and velvety texture and a crisp, clean finish. Shows a pretty combination of richness and freshness. " (2016 vintage)
James Suckling "A focused and juicy red with currant, plum and berry character. Medium to full body, solid and polished tannins and a long and pretty finish. All in finesse." (2015 vintage)
Since 1925 the Straccali wine estate in Tuscany, founded by its namesake Giulio Straccali, has been in the vanguard of progressive Chianti wine producers. An expert enologist, entrepreneur, farmer and wine producer, Giulio Straccali was above all a man of vision. Through the wines of Tuscany, he sought to communicate to the rest of the world the scents, colors and flavors of his beloved homeland. Convinced of the need to protect and nurture the reputation and quality of Chianti wines, Straccali consistently showed a pioneering spirit. He was instrumental in the founding of the Black Rooster Consortium and from 1942 until his death in 1969, he served as Vice President. In 1978 Italo Zingarelli, founder of the Rocca delle Macie estate in Castellina in Chianti, as part of his long-term business strategy and sharing the same dream set out by Giulio Straccali many decades earlier, purchased the company from the Straccali family.
Rocca delle Macìe was established in 1973, when film producer Italo Zingarelli – of Ettore Scola’s “We All Loved Each Other So Much” fame, and also the wildly popular series of films featuring comedy duo Bud Spencer and Terence Hill (including “They Call Me Trinity” and “Trinity Is Still My Name”) – decided to realize his lifelong dream by acquiring the “Le Macìe” estate – extending across 93 hectares (230 acres) in all, of which only two were under vine – in order to create a winery in the heart of the Chianti Classico zone.
1 x Campo Maccione Vermentino 2023 - Tuscany, Italy
90/100 James Suckling
90/100 Wine Enthusiast
Gold - Mundus Vini
Organic - currently undergoing certification
James Suckling "A delicious, fruity and subtle vermentino with aromas of pears, ripe peaches and wild herbs on the nose, following through to a medium body with fresh acidity. Seductive and minerally at the center, with a delicious core of crunchy fruit in the crisp finish"
Wine Enthusiast "The nose is fresh and clean, with aromas of lemon, lime, ocean air and bike tire. On the palate, a backbone of hazelnuts and almonds creates a savory feel, although green and yellow apple flavors and more citrus preserve a piercing quality. Tannins are present, even within a river of acid."
Raffaele Vecchione - Wines Critic "In its sensory profile, it reveals notes of magnolia, gardenia, jasmine, acacia, lemon peel, and white pepper. Full-bodied, with a "fat" mouthfeel, it finishes warm and enveloping. Sweet on the finish."
100% Vermentino
Alcohol: 13%
Rocca delle Macìe was established in 1973, when film producer Italo Zingarelli – of Ettore Scola’s “We All Loved Each Other So Much” fame, and also the wildly popular series of films featuring comedy duo Bud Spencer and Terence Hill (including “They Call Me Trinity” and “Trinity Is Still My Name”) – decided to realize his lifelong dream by acquiring the “Le Macìe” estate – extending across 93 hectares (230 acres) in all, of which only two were under vine – in order to create a winery in the heart of the Chianti Classico zone.
Enjoy this wine made on the Zingarelli family’s Maremma estates. Morellino di Scansano takes center-stage but has been complemented over the years by white and rosé wines bearing the recently created Maremma DOC denomination, along with Typical Geographical Indication (IGT) wines in a more modern style that nevertheless respects the Tuscan tradition.
Vermentino (“vur-men-teeno”) is a light-bodied white wine that grows mostly in Italy on the island of Sardinia. What’s exciting about Vermentino is it can be deliciously complex in taste in similar style to Sauvignon Blanc; One style is richer and creamier and the other is lighter, more floral and zestier. Because Vermentino is so unknown, you can find high quality wines for a great value. Wines with similar body and taste profile include Albariño, Grüner Veltliner, Sauvignon Blanc, Sémillon, Soave and Verdejo.
Despite the typical light-bodied character of Vermentino, it’s actually quite complex to taste. A glass of classic Sardinia Vermentino will offer up lively aromas of pear, white peach, lime and pink grapefruit with subtle notes of crushed rocks and citrus zest. On the palate, Vermentino is almost always dry and somewhat oily with flavors of grapefruit and citrus, with a crushed rocky minerality and saltiness. On the finish, it can be a bit snappy with bitterness similar to the taste of grapefruit pith or, if it’s on the riper side, fresh almond.
In Provence, Vermentino is called Rolle (“roll”). It’s the secret ingredient to the region’s top-rated Rosé.
1 x Giulio Straccali Pinot Grigio 2023 - Tuscany, Italy
Bronze - James Suckling (2019 vintage)
Bronze - Wine Spectator (2019 vintage)
James Suckling "..sliced-lemon and dried-apple character. Medium body. Lightly fruity," (2019 vintage)
Wine Spectator "A stony, easy-drinking white, light-bodied and juicy, with flavors of ripe pear, candied lemon peel and a hint of herb." (2019 vintage)
Since 1925 the Straccali wine estate in Tuscany, founded Giulio Straccali, has been in the vanguard of progressive Chianti wine producers. Giulio Straccali was an expert enologist, entrepreneur, farmer and wine producer. Known as a conservationist and protector of the traditions of Chianti wines, Straccali was an admired pioneer of the region. He was instrumental in the founding of the Black Rooster Consortium and from 1942 until his death in 1969, served as Vice President. In 1978 Italo Zingarelli, founder of the Rocca delle Macie estate in Castellina in Chianti, as part of his long-term vision for the region collaborated with the Giulio Straccali winery and later purchased the winery and vineyards from the Straccali family.
Rocca delle Macìe was established in 1973, when film producer Italo Zingarelli – of Ettore Scola’s “We All Loved Each Other So Much” fame, and also the wildly popular series of films featuring comedy duo Bud Spencer and Terence Hill (including “They Call Me Trinity” and “Trinity Is Still My Name”) – decided to realize his lifelong dream by acquiring the “Le Macìe” estate – extending across 93 hectares (230 acres) in all, of which only two were under vine – in order to create a winery in the heart of the Chianti Classico zone. The estate now extends to more than 500 hectares (1250 acres) with, in total, more than 200 (500 acres) used as vineyards and 22 (54 acres) as olive groves, subdivided across the company’s six estates: Le Macìe, Sant’Alfonso, Fizzano e le Tavolelle in the Chianti Classico Area, in addition to the Campomaccione and Casa Maria estates in the Morellino di Scansano Area (Maremma).
Pinot Grigio is more than just the Italian name for Pinot Gris. Although the two names refer to a single grape variety, the wine styles they represent are clearly distinct from one another.
The more refreshing Pinot Grigio style has enjoyed great success in various countries, most recently the United States, (where it is fondly nicknamed ""Greej"") and Australia. The most common descriptors of the style are ""light"", ""crisp"" and ""dry"". These characteristics are complemented by aroma notes citing lemon, green apple and blossoms.
1 x Villa Vescovile Chardonnay 2022 - Trentino, Italy
Vino "....intense notes of fresh fruit accompanied by delicate floral hints. In the mouth it proves a fresh, dry wine with a particularly aromatic aftertaste. Perfect for aperitif, appetizers and fish dishes."
Vivino User Review, PT "....melange of lemon peel, lime, green apple, pear, peach and tar on the nose. Fresh and straightforward, with low acidity and melon and pineapple flavors."
Winemaker "..fresh fruit aromas and floral hints. The palate is dry and fresh, pleasantly aromatic."
100% Chardonnay
Villa Vescovile wines are sourced from prestigous vineyards of the Trentino area located just north of Trento. Overseen by the famous winemakers of Rocca delle Macie, Villa Vescovile wines are produced using the acclaimed winemaking traditions of South Tyrol. The grapes are planted on the sloping terrain of the area and are cultivated using the pergola system, on terraced soils. The grapes produce two red wines and four white wines, all of which are worthy examples of character and tipicity. Villa Vescovile wines encompass the important denominations of origin of the region. Known for their balance of fruit, they epitomise what makes North Italian cool climate wines famous.
Villa Vescovile wines are a collaboration with Rocca delle Macìe Winery which was established in 1973, when film producer, Italo Zingarelli – of Ettore Scola’s “We All Loved Each Other So Much” fame, and also of the wildly popular series of films featuring comedy duo Bud Spencer and Terence Hill (including “They Call Me Trinity” and “Trinity Is Still My Name”) – decided to realize his lifelong dream by acquiring the “Le Macìe” estate – extending across 93 hectares (230 acres) in all, of which only two were under vine – in order to create a winery in the heart of the Chianti Classico zone.
Chardonnay is one of the world’s most popular grapes, Chardonnay is made in a wide range of styles from lean, to rich, creamy white wines aged in oak. Bolder, richer, full-bodied and buttery Chardonnays are made using oak and are produced in California, Burgundy, and Australia. Unoaked chardonnays such as Chablis and those produced in Chile, New Zealand, and other parts of France are leaner and often crisp and mineraly, with delicate flavors. By law, if a label says “Chablis,” it must be Chardonnay.
2 x Pietra Pura Hyria Primitivo Puglia 2022 - Puglia, Italy
Organic - currently undergoing certification
Winemaker "An intense bouquet of red fruits which burst through to the palate. Rich and smooth, with a wellbalanced finish.
Wimemaker "Rocca delle Macìe has combined experience and expertise to create three different types of wine using Primitivo and Negroamaro grapes, which are vinified and bottled in the Puglia Region, under the watchful eye of the Zingarelli family’s chief winemaker, Luca Francioni. The Primitivo grapes of this wine come from selected vineyards located in southern Puglia, where the traditional Alberello basso vine training method is employed."
Vinum "An intense bouquet of red fruits, persistent with hints of blackcurrant and wild berries and lightly spiced thyme and aromatic herbs. Rich and smooth, with good body and a well balanced and persistent finish. 30% of the wine is aged in barriques for 12 months and 70% for the same period in stainless steel.
Ideal with meat, game or seasoned cheeses.
100% Primitivo
The PietraPura range is a successful collaboration with famous winery group, Rocca delle Macìe which makes the most of the native vines of the Salento area to create wines that express the very best of the terroir. Rocca delle Macìe has combined experience and expertise to create three different types of wine using Primitivo and Negroamaro grapes. Mandus and Cotis, two expressions of Primitivo di Manduria DOC, Dolceluna – Primitivo Dolce Naturale DOCG- and Negramaro -Salento IGT- represent the high end of the range and are produced using grapes cultivated in vineyards selected by Rocca delle Macìe’s technicians. The grapes are then vinified and bottled in the Puglia Region, under the watchful eye of the Zingarelli family’s chief winemaker, Luca Francioni.
Rocca delle Macìe was established in 1973, when film producer Italo Zingarelli – of Ettore Scola’s “We All Loved Each Other So Much” fame, and also the wildly popular series of films featuring comedy duo Bud Spencer and Terence Hill (including “They Call Me Trinity” and “Trinity Is Still My Name”) – decided to realize his lifelong dream by acquiring the “Le Macìe” estate – extending across 93 hectares (230 acres) in all, of which only two were under vine – in order to create a winery in the heart of the Chianti Classico zone.
Puglia, also known as Apulia, is a long, narrow region comprising the heel of southern Italy's boot. Puglia is a major producer of both wine grapes and table grapes. Its name comes from a-pulvia, or “lack of rain” in Roman. The terroir is influenced by a sunny, warm Mediterranean climate with breezes from the Adriatic sea and fertile soil rich in limestone. The Puglian wine region is divided into three subregions: Foggia in the north, Bari and Taranto in the center, and Brindisi and Lecce in the south.
After Veneto, Puglia is tied with Sicily as the second biggest wine region in Italy. The Puglia area is mostly home to grape growers, rather than wine producers. However, there are winemakers producing quality wines in Puglia in smaller quantities. In addition to grapes, Puglia produces 40 percent of Italy's olive oil.
The grape of most interest to non-Italians is the early-ripening Primitivo, a speciality of the Gioia del Colle plain just south of Bari and Manduria, the western coast of the heel just south of Taranto. DNA analysis has proved what many had suspected all along, that this vine variety is one and the same as California's Zinfandel.
Primitivo is a dark-skinned grape known for producing inky, tannic wines, particularly Primitivo di Manduria and its naturally sweet Dolce Naturale variant. Although there have been contentious and long-running debates about the variety's geographical origins, there is little question that Primitivo's modern-day home is in southern Italy, particularly Puglia.
Take a flavourful journey this six handpicked wines from across Italy’s most celebrated regions, including Tuscany, Veneto, Piedmont, and more. Each bottle captures the unique character, vibrant fruit, and elegant structure that make Italian wines so beloved worldwide.
Perfect for wine lovers, gifting, or exploring Italy from the comfort of home, this pack brings diversity, quality, and excitement to every sip. Whether for casual dinners or special celebrations, Italian Escape is your passport to Italy’s finest wines.
1 x Giulio Straccali Chianti Classico 2020 - Tuscany, Italy
91/100 James Suckling (2016 vintage)
92/100 James Suckling (2015 vintage)
James Suckling "Very aromatic with dried rose petals and blackberries on the nose. Full body, a soft and velvety texture and a crisp, clean finish. Shows a pretty combination of richness and freshness. " (2016 vintage)
James Suckling "A focused and juicy red with currant, plum and berry character. Medium to full body, solid and polished tannins and a long and pretty finish. All in finesse." (2015 vintage)
Since 1925 the Straccali wine estate in Tuscany, founded by its namesake Giulio Straccali, has been in the vanguard of progressive Chianti wine producers. An expert enologist, entrepreneur, farmer and wine producer, Giulio Straccali was above all a man of vision. Through the wines of Tuscany, he sought to communicate to the rest of the world the scents, colors and flavors of his beloved homeland. Convinced of the need to protect and nurture the reputation and quality of Chianti wines, Straccali consistently showed a pioneering spirit. He was instrumental in the founding of the Black Rooster Consortium and from 1942 until his death in 1969, he served as Vice President. In 1978 Italo Zingarelli, founder of the Rocca delle Macie estate in Castellina in Chianti, as part of his long-term business strategy and sharing the same dream set out by Giulio Straccali many decades earlier, purchased the company from the Straccali family.
Rocca delle Macìe was established in 1973, when film producer Italo Zingarelli – of Ettore Scola’s “We All Loved Each Other So Much” fame, and also the wildly popular series of films featuring comedy duo Bud Spencer and Terence Hill (including “They Call Me Trinity” and “Trinity Is Still My Name”) – decided to realize his lifelong dream by acquiring the “Le Macìe” estate – extending across 93 hectares (230 acres) in all, of which only two were under vine – in order to create a winery in the heart of the Chianti Classico zone.
1 x Campo Maccione Vermentino 2023 - Tuscany, Italy
90/100 James Suckling
90/100 Wine Enthusiast
Gold - Mundus Vini
Organic - currently undergoing certification
James Suckling "A delicious, fruity and subtle vermentino with aromas of pears, ripe peaches and wild herbs on the nose, following through to a medium body with fresh acidity. Seductive and minerally at the center, with a delicious core of crunchy fruit in the crisp finish"
Wine Enthusiast "The nose is fresh and clean, with aromas of lemon, lime, ocean air and bike tire. On the palate, a backbone of hazelnuts and almonds creates a savory feel, although green and yellow apple flavors and more citrus preserve a piercing quality. Tannins are present, even within a river of acid."
Raffaele Vecchione - Wines Critic "In its sensory profile, it reveals notes of magnolia, gardenia, jasmine, acacia, lemon peel, and white pepper. Full-bodied, with a "fat" mouthfeel, it finishes warm and enveloping. Sweet on the finish."
100% Vermentino
Alcohol: 13%
Rocca delle Macìe was established in 1973, when film producer Italo Zingarelli – of Ettore Scola’s “We All Loved Each Other So Much” fame, and also the wildly popular series of films featuring comedy duo Bud Spencer and Terence Hill (including “They Call Me Trinity” and “Trinity Is Still My Name”) – decided to realize his lifelong dream by acquiring the “Le Macìe” estate – extending across 93 hectares (230 acres) in all, of which only two were under vine – in order to create a winery in the heart of the Chianti Classico zone.
Enjoy this wine made on the Zingarelli family’s Maremma estates. Morellino di Scansano takes center-stage but has been complemented over the years by white and rosé wines bearing the recently created Maremma DOC denomination, along with Typical Geographical Indication (IGT) wines in a more modern style that nevertheless respects the Tuscan tradition.
Vermentino (“vur-men-teeno”) is a light-bodied white wine that grows mostly in Italy on the island of Sardinia. What’s exciting about Vermentino is it can be deliciously complex in taste in similar style to Sauvignon Blanc; One style is richer and creamier and the other is lighter, more floral and zestier. Because Vermentino is so unknown, you can find high quality wines for a great value. Wines with similar body and taste profile include Albariño, Grüner Veltliner, Sauvignon Blanc, Sémillon, Soave and Verdejo.
Despite the typical light-bodied character of Vermentino, it’s actually quite complex to taste. A glass of classic Sardinia Vermentino will offer up lively aromas of pear, white peach, lime and pink grapefruit with subtle notes of crushed rocks and citrus zest. On the palate, Vermentino is almost always dry and somewhat oily with flavors of grapefruit and citrus, with a crushed rocky minerality and saltiness. On the finish, it can be a bit snappy with bitterness similar to the taste of grapefruit pith or, if it’s on the riper side, fresh almond.
In Provence, Vermentino is called Rolle (“roll”). It’s the secret ingredient to the region’s top-rated Rosé.
1 x Giulio Straccali Pinot Grigio 2023 - Tuscany, Italy
Bronze - James Suckling (2019 vintage)
Bronze - Wine Spectator (2019 vintage)
James Suckling "..sliced-lemon and dried-apple character. Medium body. Lightly fruity," (2019 vintage)
Wine Spectator "A stony, easy-drinking white, light-bodied and juicy, with flavors of ripe pear, candied lemon peel and a hint of herb." (2019 vintage)
Since 1925 the Straccali wine estate in Tuscany, founded Giulio Straccali, has been in the vanguard of progressive Chianti wine producers. Giulio Straccali was an expert enologist, entrepreneur, farmer and wine producer. Known as a conservationist and protector of the traditions of Chianti wines, Straccali was an admired pioneer of the region. He was instrumental in the founding of the Black Rooster Consortium and from 1942 until his death in 1969, served as Vice President. In 1978 Italo Zingarelli, founder of the Rocca delle Macie estate in Castellina in Chianti, as part of his long-term vision for the region collaborated with the Giulio Straccali winery and later purchased the winery and vineyards from the Straccali family.
Rocca delle Macìe was established in 1973, when film producer Italo Zingarelli – of Ettore Scola’s “We All Loved Each Other So Much” fame, and also the wildly popular series of films featuring comedy duo Bud Spencer and Terence Hill (including “They Call Me Trinity” and “Trinity Is Still My Name”) – decided to realize his lifelong dream by acquiring the “Le Macìe” estate – extending across 93 hectares (230 acres) in all, of which only two were under vine – in order to create a winery in the heart of the Chianti Classico zone. The estate now extends to more than 500 hectares (1250 acres) with, in total, more than 200 (500 acres) used as vineyards and 22 (54 acres) as olive groves, subdivided across the company’s six estates: Le Macìe, Sant’Alfonso, Fizzano e le Tavolelle in the Chianti Classico Area, in addition to the Campomaccione and Casa Maria estates in the Morellino di Scansano Area (Maremma).
Pinot Grigio is more than just the Italian name for Pinot Gris. Although the two names refer to a single grape variety, the wine styles they represent are clearly distinct from one another.
The more refreshing Pinot Grigio style has enjoyed great success in various countries, most recently the United States, (where it is fondly nicknamed ""Greej"") and Australia. The most common descriptors of the style are ""light"", ""crisp"" and ""dry"". These characteristics are complemented by aroma notes citing lemon, green apple and blossoms.
1 x Villa Vescovile Chardonnay 2022 - Trentino, Italy
Vino "....intense notes of fresh fruit accompanied by delicate floral hints. In the mouth it proves a fresh, dry wine with a particularly aromatic aftertaste. Perfect for aperitif, appetizers and fish dishes."
Vivino User Review, PT "....melange of lemon peel, lime, green apple, pear, peach and tar on the nose. Fresh and straightforward, with low acidity and melon and pineapple flavors."
Winemaker "..fresh fruit aromas and floral hints. The palate is dry and fresh, pleasantly aromatic."
100% Chardonnay
Villa Vescovile wines are sourced from prestigous vineyards of the Trentino area located just north of Trento. Overseen by the famous winemakers of Rocca delle Macie, Villa Vescovile wines are produced using the acclaimed winemaking traditions of South Tyrol. The grapes are planted on the sloping terrain of the area and are cultivated using the pergola system, on terraced soils. The grapes produce two red wines and four white wines, all of which are worthy examples of character and tipicity. Villa Vescovile wines encompass the important denominations of origin of the region. Known for their balance of fruit, they epitomise what makes North Italian cool climate wines famous.
Villa Vescovile wines are a collaboration with Rocca delle Macìe Winery which was established in 1973, when film producer, Italo Zingarelli – of Ettore Scola’s “We All Loved Each Other So Much” fame, and also of the wildly popular series of films featuring comedy duo Bud Spencer and Terence Hill (including “They Call Me Trinity” and “Trinity Is Still My Name”) – decided to realize his lifelong dream by acquiring the “Le Macìe” estate – extending across 93 hectares (230 acres) in all, of which only two were under vine – in order to create a winery in the heart of the Chianti Classico zone.
Chardonnay is one of the world’s most popular grapes, Chardonnay is made in a wide range of styles from lean, to rich, creamy white wines aged in oak. Bolder, richer, full-bodied and buttery Chardonnays are made using oak and are produced in California, Burgundy, and Australia. Unoaked chardonnays such as Chablis and those produced in Chile, New Zealand, and other parts of France are leaner and often crisp and mineraly, with delicate flavors. By law, if a label says “Chablis,” it must be Chardonnay.
2 x Pietra Pura Hyria Primitivo Puglia 2022 - Puglia, Italy
Organic - currently undergoing certification
Winemaker "An intense bouquet of red fruits which burst through to the palate. Rich and smooth, with a wellbalanced finish.
Wimemaker "Rocca delle Macìe has combined experience and expertise to create three different types of wine using Primitivo and Negroamaro grapes, which are vinified and bottled in the Puglia Region, under the watchful eye of the Zingarelli family’s chief winemaker, Luca Francioni. The Primitivo grapes of this wine come from selected vineyards located in southern Puglia, where the traditional Alberello basso vine training method is employed."
Vinum "An intense bouquet of red fruits, persistent with hints of blackcurrant and wild berries and lightly spiced thyme and aromatic herbs. Rich and smooth, with good body and a well balanced and persistent finish. 30% of the wine is aged in barriques for 12 months and 70% for the same period in stainless steel.
Ideal with meat, game or seasoned cheeses.
100% Primitivo
The PietraPura range is a successful collaboration with famous winery group, Rocca delle Macìe which makes the most of the native vines of the Salento area to create wines that express the very best of the terroir. Rocca delle Macìe has combined experience and expertise to create three different types of wine using Primitivo and Negroamaro grapes. Mandus and Cotis, two expressions of Primitivo di Manduria DOC, Dolceluna – Primitivo Dolce Naturale DOCG- and Negramaro -Salento IGT- represent the high end of the range and are produced using grapes cultivated in vineyards selected by Rocca delle Macìe’s technicians. The grapes are then vinified and bottled in the Puglia Region, under the watchful eye of the Zingarelli family’s chief winemaker, Luca Francioni.
Rocca delle Macìe was established in 1973, when film producer Italo Zingarelli – of Ettore Scola’s “We All Loved Each Other So Much” fame, and also the wildly popular series of films featuring comedy duo Bud Spencer and Terence Hill (including “They Call Me Trinity” and “Trinity Is Still My Name”) – decided to realize his lifelong dream by acquiring the “Le Macìe” estate – extending across 93 hectares (230 acres) in all, of which only two were under vine – in order to create a winery in the heart of the Chianti Classico zone.
Puglia, also known as Apulia, is a long, narrow region comprising the heel of southern Italy's boot. Puglia is a major producer of both wine grapes and table grapes. Its name comes from a-pulvia, or “lack of rain” in Roman. The terroir is influenced by a sunny, warm Mediterranean climate with breezes from the Adriatic sea and fertile soil rich in limestone. The Puglian wine region is divided into three subregions: Foggia in the north, Bari and Taranto in the center, and Brindisi and Lecce in the south.
After Veneto, Puglia is tied with Sicily as the second biggest wine region in Italy. The Puglia area is mostly home to grape growers, rather than wine producers. However, there are winemakers producing quality wines in Puglia in smaller quantities. In addition to grapes, Puglia produces 40 percent of Italy's olive oil.
The grape of most interest to non-Italians is the early-ripening Primitivo, a speciality of the Gioia del Colle plain just south of Bari and Manduria, the western coast of the heel just south of Taranto. DNA analysis has proved what many had suspected all along, that this vine variety is one and the same as California's Zinfandel.
Primitivo is a dark-skinned grape known for producing inky, tannic wines, particularly Primitivo di Manduria and its naturally sweet Dolce Naturale variant. Although there have been contentious and long-running debates about the variety's geographical origins, there is little question that Primitivo's modern-day home is in southern Italy, particularly Puglia.