Also by Jeremy Young:The Italy Wine ProjectThe Humidor Project
The Italy Wine Project

Regions / Puglia

DOCStill huntingEasy

Castel del Monte DOC

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IL PROGETTODOCCASTEL DEL MONTEAAIT11809343Denominazione di Origine Controllata

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The umbrella DOC for the high, limestone rich Murge plateau below Frederick II's octagonal castle, one of the coolest spots in Puglia. It covers everything from crisp Bombino Bianco and Chardonnay to Nero di Troia reds, Aglianico and rosato. Whites are lean and citrusy with a chalky finish; reds have more acidity and grip than typical Salento wine, with black cherry, violet and pepper. Rivera and Tormaresca are the names to look for on US shelves.

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If you make Castel del Monte, import it, or know who does, the form takes two minutes and I reply to every one.

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Bottles I'm chasing

  • Tormaresca (Antinori)

    Castel del Monte Aglianico 'Bocca di Lupo'

    Antinori's top Puglian red, Aglianico from Minervino Murge, blackberry, graphite, clove and dense fine tannin; ages well.

    $45 to $60Wine-Searcher
  • Rivera

    Castel del Monte Rosato 'Rosé'

    Bombino Nero based rosato from the DOC (not the DOCG), pale, dry and crunchy with cherry and citrus; one of Italy's best value rosés.

    $12 to $15Wine-Searcher
  • Torrevento

    Castel del Monte Rosso 'Bolonero'

    Nero di Troia and Aglianico, unoaked, plum and black pepper with soft tannin; everyday bottle from a large estate with US distribution.

    $10 to $14Wine-Searcher