Italy | Apulia (Puglia)

The Coastline of Apulia in Southern Italy

Apulia, or Puglia as it is also referred to, is “the heel” of the boot of Southern Italy's peninsular. It is bordered by both the Adriatic and Ionian Seas, giving it one of the longest coastlines of any region in Italy. Apulia's exceptionally fertile plains also make it one of Italy's largest wine-producing regions.

Some very fine red wines are made in the southern peninsula, particularly around Salento where the Negroamaro and Primitivo grapes dominate. The IGT appellation of Salento often indicates deeply coloured fleshy reds influenced by the region’s hot climate, but there is a modern trend towards reds that are less concentrated and more aromatic. Primitivo, which has been identified as California's Zinfandel, is arguably the flagship red grape of Puglia and the best Primitivo di Manduria are luscious, heavy and definitely food-friendly wines.

The Apulia wine region has 4 DOCGs and 29 DOCs, more than any other region in the south of Italy. It also has six IGTs that produce increasing quantities of high quality wines that are acknowledged internationally for representing good value.