Terre del Crifo
The Terre del Crifo line was conceived and created in a distinctive way to meet the needs of the finest national and international gastronomy.
Signature wines for quality dining
This clear definition of its target market, the HoReCa sector (Hotels/Restaurants/Cafés), indicates a strategic positioning focused on premium service and specific culinary integration. The primary objective of the line is to offer wines with a distinctive character, capable of providing consumers with a memorable experience. This goes beyond mere technical quality, emphasizing the sensory and emotional impact of the wine within the context of a meal.
From vineyard to cellar: controlled traditional methodologies
In all three wines of the line, traditional cultivation methods are employed, in particular the Pergola Pugliese training system. This system is well suited to the regional climate and contributes to the characteristic quality of the grapes. A consistent and meticulous approach to winemaking is evident: the hand-harvested grapes are immediately transported to the cellar, followed by destemming, crushing, and fermentation at controlled temperature in stainless steel tanks.
Active filters
Gentle extraction for White and Rosé
This steel-focused approach, particularly for white and rosé wines, is a deliberate choice to preserve the intrinsic freshness and primary aromas of the fruit. Specifically for the white and rosé, short maceration periods – 4-6 hours for the rosé and minimal skin contact for the white during gentle pressing – are carefully managed to extract aromatic compounds and achieve the desired color, without imparting excessive tannins. For the red, a longer maceration of 7-10 days is used to build structure, color, and extract appropriate tannins. Aging mainly in steel, followed by bottle aging, is a common thread ensuring the wines have a vibrant fruit expression.
DOP designation for Terre del Crifo wines
A distinctive feature of the Terre del Crifo line is its exclusive classification as Castel del Monte Protected Designation of Origin (DOP).
This designation is a fundamental guarantee of geographical origin and adherence to strict quality and production regulations, intrinsically linking the wines to the historical and viticultural landscape of Castel del Monte. The line prominently showcases native Apulian grape varieties, such as Nero di Troia for the red and Bombino Nero and Bombino Bianco respectively for the rosé and white. This commitment to indigenous grape varieties underscores Crifo’s dedication to preserving and promoting the region’s unique viticultural heritage.
Comparative summary table of Terre del Crifo wines
To provide an immediate and comparative overview of the salient features of the Terre del Crifo line wines, here is the summary table.
| Feature | Terre del Crifo Castel del Monte DOP Red | Terre del Crifo Castel del Monte Bombino DOP White | Terre del Crifo Castel del Monte DOP Rosé |
| Classification | Castel del Monte Red DOP | Castel del Monte Bombino White DOP | Castel del Monte Rosé DOP |
| Main Grape Variety/Varieties | Nero di Troia and other native grape varieties | Pure Bombino Bianco (100%) | Pure Bombino Nero (100%) |
| Primary Color | Ruby red with vivid purple reflections | Bright straw yellow | Bright and intense color, from raspberry to cherry |
| Key Aromatic/Taste Notes | Intense hints of blackberries and plums, shy violet; rich, full-bodied taste, mature tannins, returns of ripe fruit | Fragrant notes of white flowers, exuberant crisp fruit, aromatic herbs; fresh, savory, mineral, citrus and balsamic notes | Wide and varied aromatic profile of pomegranate, red mulberry, fresh berries; vital freshness, persistent savory note |
| Alcohol Content (% vol) | 12.5% | 11.5% | 11.5% |
| Serving Temperature (°C) | 16°C | 8°C | 8°C |
| Notable Awards | Gold Medal, Silver Regional Oscar (Mostra Nazionale Vini Pramaggiore) | Gold Medal, Silver Regional Oscar (Mostra Nazionale Vini Pramaggiore) | Falstaff – 89 points, Gold Medal (Competition “Le Mondial du Rosé”), Bronze Medal (Regional Wine Competition Vinum), Gold Medal, Silver Regional Oscar (Mostra Nazionale Vini Pramaggiore) |