Puglia - a region of Italy located in the south-eastern part of the country, with an area of 19 361 km2. Surrounded by the Ionian and Adriatic Seas Puglia borders Molise, Basilicata, and Campania. Its territory consist of plains (53,2%), hilly areas (45,3%), mountains (1,5%). From the north to the south are located the main four zones of the region: Gargano, Tavoliere, Murgia, Salento. Puglia is the biggest wine producer in Italy, its annual wine production rate exceeds an amount of 7 million hectoliters.
The vine was introduced by the Phoenicians here. By the XX century B.C. they brought among them the cuttings of grapes and began vine cultivation. In the times of the Roman Empire the wine from Puglia was famous and appreciated, then in the Middle Ages was sold in big amounts thanks to the Venetians. In the XIX century Puglia became a real reservoir of wine for all of Europe due to the phylloxera. The area of winegrowing was made three times larger then. The wines from Puglia were called vini di taglio wines used as an addition to the local French or Northern Italian wines
. Unfortunately, the vine plague entered also to this picturesque part of Italy, in the years between 1919 and 1924 the majority of vineyards were destroyed, it was possible only after many decades to replant the areas of cultivation. Fortunately, the enological potential of the region was successfully restored. Nowadays, the wines of Puglia are not only da taglio wines, but above all original and autochthonous varieties, often with a very good price-quality ratio. In Puglia dominate red wines such as Negroamaro, Primitivo, Malvasia Nera, Uva di Troia, Bombino Nero and whites like Malvasia, Bombino Bianco, Verdeca, Bianco d‘Alessano, and also international varieties like Chardonnay and Sauvignon. Particularly worth mentioning are pink wines mainly made from Negroamaro. These wines are characterized by a good structure and pleasant aromas. They are among Italy‘s pink wines of highest quality. Apuglian wines were awarded 4 DOCG status, among which 3 belong to the zone of Castel del Monte (Murgia) located in the province of Bari, and 28 DOC appellations.
Apart from wine the sunny and picturesque Puglia produces excellent extra virgin olive oil. Half of Italy‘s entire production of olive oil comes from olive groves located in the region. There is much more to the region, the cuisine of Puglia is perfect, according to some it is the best in the world. Pugliese cuisine delights by its simplicity and incredible variety, beginning with vegetables and salads, up to sea food, cured meats, lamb, cheeses and hand-made pastas.
The charm of this place lies also in the fact that the region is not so commercialized for the moment. Clear sea, wonderful weather, good food and wine make Puglia the most favorite place to visit for Italians as well as foreign tourists, that are not interested in mass entertainment.
