Castel del Monte world heritage site and land of the best wines of Puglia

If DOCG were trophies, Castel del Monte would have the most crowded trophy case in Puglia.

In fact, it holds three of the four DOCG in the entire region: two for the undisputed Nero di Troia, the third most important grape variety in all of Puglia.

The denominations are named after the icon of the territory: the 13th-century octagonal fortress commissioned by Frederick II, which towers over the western Murge plateau.

A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1996, Castel del Monte is also known as the most mysterious castle on the peninsula. From its octagonal plan to the chosen location for its construction, creating surreal plays of light and shadow, Castel del Monte is among the structures that intrigue scholars the most and attract millions of visitors. Additionally, around the castle and its history is the eclectic figure of Frederick II, who never ceases to fascinate the public.

There’s little mystery but just as much enchantment for Puglia’s black gold. The fruit of the land surrounding Castel del Monte: its vineyards produce some of the best wines in the world, certainly the best in Puglia, having earned three controlled and guaranteed designations of origin in recent years.

The fourth DOCG in Puglia goes to the Primitivo di Manduria Dolce Naturale from the provinces of Taranto and Brindisi.

In the pyramid of wine quality classification, DOCG are the top tier in Italy, and Castel del Monte holds its place with: Castel del Monte Bombino Nero DOCG, Castel del Monte Nero di Troia Riserva DOCG, and Castel del Monte Rosso Riserva DOCG, all established in 2011.

Let’s take a closer look at the provinces of Bari and BAT, the territory of these regulations.

Castel del Monte Bombino Nero DOCG, besides clearly taking its name from the Federician fortress and extending its vineyards in the surrounding area, stretches to the Alta Murgia Natural Park. Its production area is between the province of Bari and that of Barletta-Andria-Trani.

The municipalities where it is produced are Minervino Murge, Andria, Corato, Trani, Ruvo, Terlizzi, Bitonto, Palo del Colle, and Toritto, as well as the administrative island of D’Ameli in the municipality of Binetto.

To obtain DOCG, the wines must be made with at least 90 percent Bombino Nero grapes. The grapes are vinified in rosé. The resulting wine, with its cherry pink color, is quite consistent and structured. Its strawberry and raspberry notes lend elegance but also a wide pairing capability.

Crifo wines offer an important variety of labels: from the pure Augustale Castel del Monte Bombino Nero DOCG, 12% vol., which pairs well with fish dishes as well as the typical Bari focaccia, to the Extra Dry Cryfus Signature Castel del Monte VSQDOP, 11.5% vol., for banquets featuring raw seafood.

Another DOCG is Castel del Monte Nero di Troia Riserva (Aged Red Wine), related to the cultivation area in the “Central Murgia.” Reference municipalities: Corato, Ruvo di Puglia, Terlizzi, Bitonto, Palo del Colle, Toritto, and Binetto, Minervino Murge, and partly the territories of the municipalities of Andria and Trani.

In this case too, production must derive 90 percent from the reference grape variety, Nero di Troia grapes. It is a wine aged for at least two years, one of which in wood, with a color ranging from ruby red to garnet red. And with characteristic, albeit delicate, notes of plum, blackberry, and cherry, but also vanilla and hints of tobacco, cocoa, and licorice conferred by aging. Excellent with succulent dishes and red meats.

The Castel del Monte Rosso Riserva DOCG designation, finally, is reserved for wines obtained from Nero di Troia grapes for at least 65 percent.

The area is still that of Castel del Monte up to the Alta Murgia Natural Park and includes the municipalities of Minervino Murge, part of Andria, Corato, Trani, Ruvo, Terlizzi, Bitonto, Palo del Colle, and Toritto, as well as the administrative island of D’Ameli in the municipality of Binetto. This DOCG, too, must undergo aging for at least two years, with at least one year in wood, before being released for consumption.

Intense and deep ruby red, it has the characteristic scent of plum and blackberries, to which aging adds spicy notes of licorice and balsamic. Great structure and significant tannins, impeccable with succulent meat dishes.

Crifo’s flagship red is dedicated to the DOCG Riserva Nero di Troia: we’re talking about the Augustale Castel del Monte Nero di Troia Riserva Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita label.

Exuberant character, unparalleled olfactory intensity. Red roses and potpourri, fruit in alcohol and boero, cloves, cinnamon and cinchona, menthol and aromatic tobacco. On the palate, the alcohol and the velvety tannin texture balance an intense freshness, a passport for a long life in the bottle. Long finish on balsamic and toasted notes.

Gastronomic pairings: cavatelli with lamb ragout, tripe with potatoes, horse meat rolls in sauce, baked sausage with cherry tomatoes, marro. 14% vol.