THE LAND
Cerignola: where it all began
The winery’s vineyards and fields extend across the Daunia region in the Basso Tavoliere plain, embraced on the north by the Gargano peninsula, on the west by the Subapennine Daunian mountains, and protected from the cold Balkan winds by the Gulf of Manfredonia on the east.
The grape vine has flourished on this land since ancient times. Diomedes, the Greek hero of the Trojan War, is said to have landed in Daunia and planted vine shoots imported from Asia Minor in its soil, which then produced Nero di Troia, the autochthonous Apulian vine par excellence. By 1800, Cerignola was exporting Nero di Troia as far as France, dominating the wine market.
An expanse of grapevines – cultivated using the Apulian pergola vine training system, the method most widely used because it protects the vines from the sun – colours large areas of the Daunia region. The varieties intended mostly for bottling are autochthonous grapes such as Nero di Troia, Negroamaro and Primitivo.
A long history of land, discovery and passion dating back to ancient times that we pursue with careful attention for the land and its traditions.
Our land:
Apulia
For several years now, Apulia has been universally acknowledged to be one of the most beautiful parts in the world. It is rich in cultures and traditions, fruit of the various dominations endured over the centuries. A land of sea and sun, the heel of Italy is also home to the characteristic masserie (old farmhouses) and to myriad unmistakable panoramas that have charmed millions upon millions of tourists.
Every nook and cranny of Apulia is to die for: from the beach of Pizzomunno, with the legend linked to the monolith that dominates 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. Visitors are awe- and wonderstruck at the foot of Castel del Monte in Andria, a Unesco World Heritage site, famous for its octagonal plan. The fascinating Caves of Castellana present a vast underground system of karst caves, which stretches for 348 metres in length and 122 metres in depth.
As if this were not enough, the magic of Apulia also extends to the table, with a host of outstanding culinary specialities, each one typical of its own territory.
Apulia, land of sea and small historical towns, resplendent with their ancient art.
The grape varieties
Each wine growing area has its topliner, an autochthonous grape variety whose origins have been lost in the mists of time, and Daunia is no exception.
Here, Nero di Troia has been cultivated since time immemorial. Legend has it that it was brought to the Adriatic shores by the Attican hero Diomedes, fleeing from Greece. Other sources tell of a grape variety brought to Apulia from the Rioja region of Spain by Governor Don Alfonso d’Avalos in 1745.
The soil of this land proved to be the ideal environment for this grape variety, which is still the jewel in the crown of this area today. It is more likely to have come from the Balkan regions, perhaps via the Albanian town of Krujë, as did many European grape varieties.
Rich in tannins, it produces wines that stand the test of time. From Nero di Troia vinified in white, we obtain a splendid rosé with its brilliant colour and bouquet of small wild berries.
In addition to Nero di Troia, the cultivation of Negroamaro is also widespread and has been included in significant percentages in the local DOC wine since 1974. Less frequent in Daunia is Primitivo, the classic Apulian grape variety that has its origins in Taranto, but which has become more refined and elegant in our soils.
The only autochthonous white wines are Fiano, a clone cultivar of the well-known Fiano di Avellino, and Bombino, a probable variant of the better-known Trebbiano, but more aromatic and savoury, so much so that it has become the key player in the excellent sparkling wines produced using the Metodo Classico (traditional method) in the cooler areas north of Daunia.
This splendid palette of colours and aromas is the basis of our work, which has always striven to promote the wine culture of our land, so rich in treasures yet to be discovered.
NERO DI TROIA
PRIMITIVO
NEGROAMARO
FIANO
