If there’s one area where men and women typically agree on color nuances, it’s definitely in the realm of wine. While it’s well-known that men have much more difficulty recognizing different shades compared to women, this fact holds true in every field and sector of life except when it comes to wine. Indeed, in this case, whether it’s a woman or a man, in front of a glass of wine, an enthusiast or aspiring sommelier can very well distinguish the various shades of white, red, and rosé.
Let’s focus now only on red, or rather, on the reds of Nero di Troia, one of the oldest and most characteristic grape varieties of Puglia.
Nero di Troia: shades of red
The Troia grape is the fruit of a native black grape variety from Puglia. The name “Nero di Troia” comes from its high polyphenolic content, giving us a red wine with a color so intense it appears “black.” Although the name suggests an origin from the city of Troia, the grape is mostly cultivated near Castel del Monte, an area in the province of Barletta-Andria-Trani in northern Puglia.
Although initially used mainly as a blending base to strengthen weaker wines by adding color, structure, and alcohol, it has started to gain significant attention since the first high-quality wines made from its pure vinification appeared on the market. However, Nero di Troia is a grape variety with very particular characteristics and is, so to speak, both loved and hated by winemakers, especially for its high tannicity. This results in a wine that requires a specific aging process before being marketed and does not shy away from long stays in wood.
Crifo and pure Nero di Troia
Nero di Troia wines are the flagship of the Cantina di Ruvo di Puglia, and it couldn’t be otherwise as it is the quintessential symbol of the related terroir. In the Crifo selection, in particular, we find four labels born from pure Nero di Troia grapes: four wines with a common temperament, different in character, unique in personality. Let’s get to know them up close.
Augustale Castel del Monte Nero di Troia Riserva DOCG
Sumptuous, precious, aristocratic. A skillful vinification gives life to this wine with the same color as a precious ruby. Aging in barrique for at least 12 months offers aromas of red fruits and woody notes. Deep and impenetrable red color. Its exuberant character reveals an unparalleled olfactory intensity. On the palate, the alcohol and the velvety tannin texture balance an intense freshness, a passport for a long life in the bottle. It finishes long on balsamic and toasted notes.
Terre del Crifo Nero di Troia Puglia IGP
Intense and enveloping, with a spicy, smooth flavor, distinguished by the great structure of harmoniously balanced tannins for richness and expression. Ruby red color with vermilion hues. Cherries and sour cherries stand out among the ripe red fruits. The smooth tannin and decisive freshness interpret the balance and character of this wine, which finishes long and persistent on delicately balsamic notes.
Squarcione Appassimento Rosso Puglia IGP
Round, elegant, with a good body. This wine is born from a selection of dried Nero di Troia grapes. It presents a wide and complex olfactory range that evolves pleasantly in the glass. Dark and concentrated red color. On the palate, round and seductive, the noble tannins express themselves while the vitality of the freshness following the tasting tells the story of the terroir to which this wine belongs.
Grifone Nero di Troia Puglia IGP
Seductive and intriguing, it is a wine with a strong personality obtained from grapes of great character without compromise. Elegant floral scent of slightly wilted violet. Intense red color. Blackberries, blueberries, and sour cherry intertwine with the typical notes of cinchona and graphite of the grape variety while, in the background, spices, undergrowth, and tobacco appear. Warm taste and vigorous tannic texture. It finishes persistent on fruity and toasted notes.
