Explore our collection of Puglia wines, from juicy, fruit-forward Italian red wines and fresh Mediterranean whites to exciting Italian orange wines and naturally sparkling Pet Nats.
Sitting at the heel of Italy’s boot, Puglia is one of the country’s most exciting wine regions. Long associated with rich reds and the much-loved Primitivo grape, a new generation of growers and winemakers is showing just how diverse Puglian wine can be. Alongside generous, sun-soaked reds, you’ll find fresh Italian white wines made from grapes such as Fiano, textured skin-contact wines and lively natural bubbles.
Whether you’re looking for an easy-drinking, medium-bodied red wine for dinner, a crisp Fiano for a sunny afternoon or something a little more adventurous, there’s plenty to discover in our selection of wine from Puglia.
Here you will find answers to some of the most frequently asked questions for this category.
What wine is Puglia known for?
Puglia is particularly famous for its red wines, with Primitivo perhaps the region’s best-known grape. It produces deeply fruity wines with flavours of ripe cherry, blackberry, plum and spice. But there’s much more to Puglia than big reds: the region also produces fresh white wines, rosato, orange wines and an increasingly exciting selection of natural and sparkling wines.
What is Primitivo wine?
Primitivo is a red grape variety strongly associated with Puglia, particularly the areas around Manduria and Gioia del Colle. It tends to produce generous, fruit-driven wines with flavours of dark berries, cherries and dried herbs, sometimes accompanied by warming spice. Styles can vary considerably, from juicy, medium-bodied reds to richer and more powerful wines.
Is Primitivo the same as Zinfandel?
Primitivo and Zinfandel are genetically the same grape variety, although their wines can taste quite different depending on where and how the grapes are grown. In Puglia, Primitivo often combines ripe Mediterranean fruit with savoury herbs and spice. Winemaking style also plays a big part, so not every Primitivo will be a big, heavy red.
What white wine comes from Puglia?
Puglia produces several styles of Italian white wine, using grapes including Fiano, Verdeca, Bombino Bianco and Falanghina. Fiano can be particularly expressive, offering citrus, stone fruit, floral and sometimes lightly nutty flavours. While Puglia has traditionally been better known for reds, its whites can be wonderfully fresh and well suited to the region’s Mediterranean climate and cuisine.
What is Puglian orange wine?
Italian orange wine is made from white grapes that spend time fermenting in contact with their skins. Puglian winemakers have embraced the style using local and southern Italian grape varieties, producing wines that can combine ripe citrus and stone fruit with herbs, spice and a gentle tannic grip. Despite the name, orange wine isn’t made from oranges – the colour comes entirely from the winemaking process.
Does Puglia make sparkling wine and Pet Nat?
Yes. Alongside still wines, some of Puglia’s more experimental producers make naturally sparkling wines, including Italian Pet Nat. Short for Pétillant Naturel, Pet Nat is bottled while fermentation is still taking place, allowing naturally produced carbon dioxide to create the bubbles. The result is often fresh, gently fizzy and fruit-forward – a relaxed alternative to more traditional sparkling wines.
What food goes well with Puglia wine?
It depends on the style. Puglian red wines such as Primitivo are brilliant with tomato-based pasta, pizza, grilled meats, aubergine dishes and mature cheeses. Fiano and other local whites work well with seafood, grilled vegetables and fresh cheeses, while Puglian orange wines are particularly versatile with mezze, antipasti and dishes featuring herbs and spice. Pet Nats are ideal with salty snacks, aperitivo plates and anything fried and crispy.
