Italiano
Nero di Troia or Uva di Troia
Two names for a red grape widespread in the winegrowing areas of Foggia and Bari and that produces truly captivating wines.
The origins of this varietal, like those of many native grapes, is not clear. One theory is that it was brought to Italy from Asia Minor by the Greeks. What is clear is that it seems to thrive only in the region of Puglia, especially in the provinces of Bari and Foggia. The town of Troia is in this area and would appear to have lent its name to the varietal.
There are two types of Uva di Troia. The first has large bunches with large grapes while the other, known locally as Carmosina, has smaller bunches and fruit. This latter variety appears to be the most promising for the future.
As with other native Italian varietals, different winemaking methods are being experimented with to produce a single-grape, Nero di Troia wine and with excellent results. These include Castel del Monte Rosso and Rosato (Rosé), Cacc'è Mitte di Lucera, Rosso di Barletta, Canosa and di Cerignola. There is also a single-grape Castel del Monte Nero di Troia DOCG.
Here are some excellent examples of single-grape wines, only some are IGT, plus a very particular Traditional Method bubbly.
Nature Brut Rosé Millesimato 2013 - Alberto Longo
91 € 25,00
100% Nero di Troia grapes. Classic method, 36 months on the yeasts. Light ancient pink color. Clear fruity aromas, elegant notes of little red fruits, raspberries and geranium. Fresh taste, fruity notes and great tasty finish.
F.D. Poderi d’Agostino 2016 - Botromagno
90 € 18,00
100% Nero di Troia grapes. Stainless steel for 20 months. Intense and deep red color. Rick aromas of coffee, carub and leather. Tasty on the palate, balanced, soft and with fruity notes in great evidence in the finish.
Rosone 2016 - Placido Volpone
91 € 17,00
100% Nero di Troia grapes. Stainless steel for 10 months the 2 months in barriques. Very intense color. Clear and typical notes of black plums, spices and eucalyptus. Good body, dynamic and balanced taste, juicy and wrapping. Elegant tannins and long, persistent finish.
Brando 2015 - Tenuta Coppadoro
89 € 9,00
100% Nero di Troia grapes. Matures 4 months in barriques. Intense garnet ruby red color. Spicy aromas the floral hints. Rich, warm, savory taste, thick tannins. Average intensity.
Oblivio 2015 - Cantine Ferri
90 € 15,00
100% Nero di Troia grapes from old vines. 90% in stainless steel and 10% in barriques. Lively red color with violet hints, not too concentrated. Good aromas of wild berries and hints of cocoa and veletal puffs. Intense taste, neat, good acidity and elegant tannins. Among the best examples of the category.
Castel del Monte Ottagono Riserva 2015 - Torrevento
95 € 18,00
100% Nero di Troia grapes. Matures 8 months in cement and 12 months in big durmast barrels. Very dark ruby red color. Dark and complex aromas of mulberry jam, black cherries, spices and tobacco. Intense but balanced taste, sumptuous drinkability and unforgettable finish. A masterpiece.
Castel del Monte Puer Apuliae Riserva 2013 - Rivera
92 € 26,00
100% Nero di Troia grapes. Matures 14 months in barriques. Very dark color. Typical and intense aromas of plums, violets and licorice. Complexa taste, evident tannins and long finish.
