A Guide to Puglia Wine: Sun-Soaked Reds from Italy's Heel

If you picture Italy as a boot, Puglia is its heel. Blessed with Mediterranean sun and sea breezes, this is one of Italy's most generous wine regions. Here is a friendly, region-focused introduction to the wines of Puglia.

What kind of place is Puglia?

Puglia is a long, narrow region at the southeastern tip of the Italian peninsula, framed by the Adriatic and Ionian seas. It enjoys abundant sunshine year-round and little rain. This dry, warm climate ripens grapes healthily and gives them generous fruit. Long known as Italy's wine cellar, it has nurtured a great wealth of grapes.

Primitivo takes the lead

Puglia's signature dark grape is Primitivo. Born from sun-ripened fruit, it is a red that is rich yet smooth and easy to drink. Dry but with a gentle sweetness of fruit, it is a great entry point to red wine. To learn more about the grape itself, see What Is Primitivo? too. The region also grows other local dark grapes, such as the aromatic Negroamaro.

Puglia's food and wine

Puglia is famous for olive oil and handmade pasta. Its richly fruited reds pair beautifully with tomato-sauce pasta, braised lamb and beef, and grilled vegetables. True to the rule that local food loves local wine, Puglia's reds slip right alongside tomato-and-olive cooking. On the Japanese table, they also suit sukiyaki and nabe dishes well.

Why Puglia wine is such good value

Thanks to abundant sunshine and wide vineyards, Puglia delivers high-quality wine at accessible prices. You do not need to choose an expensive bottle from a famous appellation to find a satisfying everyday red. That is the greatest appeal of southern Italian wine.

A bottle to start with

A bottle that puts the Puglian sun straight into your glass, Doppio Passo Primitivo. Start here and feel the appeal of southern Italy.