Puglia wine: red, white and rosé

Vecchie vigne is Italian for old vines. At Cignomoro the number in the name gives the age of the vines: around 30 years for the Bianco d'Alessano, 50 for the Negroamaro and 80 for the Primitivo. Old vines yield fewer grapes, but with more concentration.

You taste that in the 80 Vecchie Vigne Primitivo di Manduria 2022: enveloping and deep, with cherry, blackberry, coffee and cinnamon, after twelve months in French and American oak. Campi Deantera's Verso Primitivo di Manduria 2020 also comes from old vines, trained in the traditional alberello shape: low bush vines that give few but concentrated grapes.

White wine from Puglia is less well known, but the region has white grapes of its own. Verdeca originally came from Greece and grows on the limestone-rich soils of Salento. Campi Deantera's Verdeca Salento IGT 2025 is fresh and lively, with lemon blossom, green apple and white peach and a gently almond-bitter finish. A wine for the aperitif, grilled fish and antipasti.

Bianco d'Alessano is a rare grape from the Valle d'Itria. Cignomoro ages its 30 Vecchie Vigne Bianco d'Alessano 2022 in barriques, which gives a full, creamy wine with jasmine, golden apple and honey. It suits seafood risotto, lobster and soft, mature cheeses.

Salento has a long tradition of rosato, and early-picked Primitivo suits it well. Campi Deantera's Spinacave Rosato di Primitivo 2024 is juicy, with strawberry, cherry, watermelon and Mediterranean herbs. San Marzano's Tramari Rosé di Primitivo 2025 is paler, fresh and elegant, with cherry and raspberry, and is aged in stainless steel.

Both are dry and best served well chilled, with grilled fish, antipasti or a light pasta.

The best wine from Puglia is the bottle that suits your taste and your dish. For a full, soft red, start with Cignomoro's Primitivo di Manduria; for more depth, choose the 80 Vecchie Vigne or the Verso. If you prefer a spicier, firmer red, the Negroamaro and the 6 Anime are a good next step.

For white, choose the Verdeca when you want something fresh and the Bianco d'Alessano when it can be fuller. In warm weather or with a light meal, the two rosés are the easiest choice. Not sure? Ask us for personal wine advice.

Puglia's cooking is simple and Mediterranean: orecchiette, vegetables, fish, lamb and cheese. Primitivo and Negroamaro suit grilled meat, lamb stew, orecchiette with ragù and mature cheese. With chicken, fish and grilled vegetables, the Verdeca and the rosés are fresher choices.

Serve the reds at 16 to 18 degrees Celsius; on a summer day a young Primitivo can be slightly cooler. Serve white and rosé at 8 to 12 degrees. Find more pairings in our guide to choosing wine for a barbecue.