Considered the king of northern Puglia’s grape varieties, the Nero di Troia is the most important native grape of the region after Primitivo and Negroamaro.
A quintessential Puglian wine, locally known by the ancient name “sumarello” or “somarello,” the Nero di Troia captivates anyone who tries it from the first sip with its strong personality. This is not only because it is made exclusively from a late-ripening grape rich in tannins and anthocyanins, but also and especially for its enveloping fruity flavor reminiscent of blackberry, black cherry, and blueberry aromas. On the palate, it also offers the taste of spices, underbrush, and dark tobacco.
Precisely because of these “fairytale” flavors, the story of this quality red wine from Puglia lends itself to suggestions and various legends that deserve to be read with a good glass in hand.
Nero di Troia legends: three stories to savor with a glass in hand
According to one legend, it seems that Diomedes, landing in Daunia after the Trojan War, decided to stop in an area he named Campi Diomedei, and planted some vine cuttings he had with him.
According to another version, however, the origin of the Nero di Troia dates back to the city of Troia itself, founded by the Greeks in 700 BC.
A third hypothesis is that it originated in the Catalan region of Rioja, later arriving in Troia around 1745.
Whether it’s truth or orally transmitted stories with a touch of mystery, what is certain is that the Nero di Troia wine is mentioned in the 18th book of the Iliad and in ancient writings as the “full-bodied wine of Troia” drunk at the court of Frederick II of Swabia and cultivated in the upper Bari area around the year 1000. Perhaps that’s why when you say Puglia, you say Nero di Troia.
Nero di Troia accolades: the achievement of two DOCG and two DOP
From myth to reality, the prestige and excellence of the Nero di Troia are confirmed by the fact that two of Puglia’s four DOCG are dedicated to this red wine, the Castel del Monte Nero di Troia Riserva and the Castel del Monte Rosso Riserva, and two DOP, the Rosso Barletta and the Castel del Monte.
Nero di Troia pairings: on the table of Italians, in all regions
With its seductive and intriguing ruby red color, the Nero di Troia IGP (or IGT) Puglia has earned a place of honor on the table of Italians because it pairs perfectly with important dishes of our culinary tradition, effortlessly ranging from duck à l’arétine to legume soups, from sweet and sour lamb to oven-roasted pork, to stew with potatoes.
Whether it’s a lunch with colleagues or a romantic dinner, or even an impromptu aperitif at home during this lockdown, the Nero di Troia wine never disappoints and makes a stunning impression with its harmonious balance and tannicity. And even at the table, a beautiful bottle adds that extra touch of elegance, which is always welcome.
Which one to choose? In the selection of Crifo labels, produced by the Cantina di Ruvo di Puglia, there’s plenty of choice: from the imposing bottle of Augustale Castel del Monte Nero di Troia Riserva DOCG, to the stylish ones of Terre del Crifo Nero di Troia Puglia IGP or Nero dello Squarcione Appassimento Rosso Puglia IGP, ending with the sleek silhouette of the Grifone Nero di Troia Puglia IGP bottle.
Could this be yet another legend associated with the red Nero di Troia? Taste to believe.
