Under the Sun with Ognissole in Puglia
In this episode of Wine Oh TV, Monique Soltani heads to the heel of the boot in Italy! Puglia is commonly called the breadbasket of Italy, this is the first of four episodes uncovering the land of plenty.
With its centuries old farmlands, medieval architecture, and an abundance of affordable fruit forward wine, Puglia is food and wine lover’s paradise.
Puglia’s most popular grape is Primitivo, better known here in California as Zinfandel. Monique gets to the bottom of Puglia’s California connection.
Our adventure begins near Bari, in Canosa di Puglia where Ognissole, CEO Matteo Santoiemma, treats Monique to a true Apulian feast fit for a king or in this case a queen at Masseria Barbera.
Then it’s off to explore Castel Del Monte, an architectural masterpiece whose origins still remain a mystery. The unique piece of medieval military architecture is a successful blend of elements from classical antiquity, the Islamic Orient and north European Cistercian Gothic.
Then we end this episode in Andria with a visit with one of the oldest olive oil producers in Puglia, Antico Frantoio Muraglia. Puglia is home to 60 million olive trees–that’s one tree for each of Italy’s 60 million people. It’s known for producing the largest quantity of olive oil and has the largest concentration of ancient olive trees with some dating back more than 3000 years.
Oh and we dance like no one’s watching with a trip to Trani, a village on Puglia’s seaside.
Wines Featured in this Video
Romanico
GRAPE Nero di Troia
DENOMINATION Castel del Monte Rosso DOP
WINE-GROWING AREA Vineyards located in the Alta Murgia area at an altitude of 250 mt above sea-level, in the territory of Canosa di Puglia.
PRODUCTION Manual harvesting; the carefully selected and harvested clusters are crushed and softly pressed; the must ferments at length along with the skins at a controlled temperature; refinement takes place in stainless steel, first, and then in 25hl. Casks.
DESCRIPTION Intense ruby red color with subtle hints of orange. Full and fragrant bouquet evoking withered fruits, spices and licorice. Dry, well balanced taste, persistent.
PAIRINGS Ideal for roasted meats and aged cheeses.
Essentia Loci
GRAPE Primitivo
DENOMINATION Primitivo di Manduria DOC
WINE-GROWING AREA The grapes are grown in the Villages of Sava and Fragagnano in the heart of production area of Primitivo di Manduria DOC.
PRODUCTION The grapes are destemmed and vinified with a soft pressing. The maceration is made for about 14 days. During this length of time, the wine completes its alcoholic fermentation at a temperature never exceeding 20 °C. The wine is transferred in barriques where it is aged for 9 months. After this period, the wine is bottled and aged for approx. 4 months.
DESCRIPTION Intense ruby red hue color. Aroma of tiny red fruits and spices. Soft and harmonic taste with matured tannins in a rich and well-structured body.
PAIRINGS Ideal for red meat, game birds, and aged cheese with firm texture.
*This video was produced in partnership Gran Via Società e Comunicazione.
