THE TERRITORY
CERIGNOLA:
THE POINT OF
ORIGIN
The vineyards and fields of the Cantina extend across the Daunia territory, in the Basso Tavoliere, embraced to the north by the Gargano promontory and to the west by the mountains of the Subappennino Dauno, and protected by the Gulf of Manfredonia from the cold Balkan winds to the east.
Vines have grown flourishing on this land since ancient times. It is said that Diomedes, the Greek hero of the Trojan War, landed in Daunia and planted vine shoots, imported from Asia Minor, in this area, which gave rise to Nero di Troia, the native Apulian vine par excellence. In 1800, Cerignola exported Nero di Troia to France, dominating the wine market. The great families of landowners travelled by train from France to Apulia to visit their immense estates and cellars, very modern for those times.
An impressive expanse of vines, cultivated with the Apulian pergola system, the most widely used method because it protects the vines from the sun’s rays, colours a large part of the Daunia territory. The most widely cultivated varieties are the indigenous grapes such as Primitivo, Nero di Troia and Negroamaro.
A LONG HISTORY OF TERRITORY, DISCOVERY AND PASSION WHICH STARTED IN ANCIENT TIMES AND WHICH WE PURSUE WITH CARE FOR THE TERRITORY AND TRADITIONS.
OUR LAND:
PUGLIA
For several years now, Puglia has been universally recognised as one of the most beautiful regions in the world. It is rich in cultures and traditions, the result of different dominations over the centuries. A land of sea and sun, the heel of Italy is also home to masserie (farmhouses) and many unique landscapes that have fascinated millions of tourists. Every corner of Puglia is a dream come true: from the beach of Pizzomunno, with the legend linked to the monolith that overlooks it, to the picture-postcard cliffs of Polignano a Mare, the city of Domenico Modugno; from the enchanting landscapes of the Gargano to the crystal-clear waters of Salento. Awe and wonder seize all visitors at the foot of Castel del Monte in Andria, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its octagonal plan. Hidden underground are the fascinating grottoes of Castellana, which are 348 metres long and 122 metres deep. As if that wasn’t enough, the magic of Apulia also spills over to the table, thanks to culinary specialities of exceptional levels, each typical of its own area of reference.
PUGLIA, LAND OF SEA AND SMALL VILLAGES RESPLENDENT IN THEIR ANCIENT ART.
VINEYARDS
Every land of wine has its protagonist, an indigenous grape variety whose origins are lost in the mists of time, and Daunia is no exception.
Here, Nero di Troia has always been grown, which, according to legend, landed on the shores of the Adriatic thanks to the Attic hero Diomedes, fleeing from Greece. Other sources tell of a Spanish vine from the Rioja region brought to Apulia in 1745 by Governor Don Alfonso d’Avalos.
In these lands the vine found the ideal environment and still today represents the highest expression of the territory. It is more likely to have come from the Balkans, perhaps via the Albanian town of Crujia, as are many European varieties.
Rich in tannins, it produces wines that defy time.
Nero di Troia vinified in white produces a splendid rosé with a brilliant colour and the scent of small berries.
In addition to Nero di Troia, Negroamaro is also widely grown and has been present in the local DOC since 1974 in significant percentages. Less present in Daunia is Primitivo, the classic Apulian grape variety originating in the Taranto area which, however, acquires greater finesse and elegance in our soils.
Native white wines are limited to Fiano, a clone cultivar of the well-known Fiano di Avellino, and Bombino, a probable variant of the better known Trebbiano, but more fragrant and savoury, so much so that it has become the protagonist of excellent Metodo Classico sparkling wines in the cooler areas to the north of Daunia.
This splendid palette of colours and scents is the basis of our work, which has always been aimed at enhancing the wine culture of our land, so rich in treasures yet to be discovered.
