FRA_GG_N46-WEB

ITALY
– DISCOVERY –
Podere Don Cataldo is the estate after which the Puglian company run by
Ernesto Rocca and his family is named. It follows the same quality
standards as all Rocca family wineries
The Puglian designations are: Primitivo di Manduria
dolce natural Docg, Castel del Monte Bombinonero
Docg, Castel del Monte Nero di Troia and Castel del
Monte Rosso Riserva Docg; Aleatico di Puglia Doc,
Alezio, Barletta, Brindisi, Cacc’e Mmitte di Lucera, Castel
del Monte, Copertino, Galatina, Gioia del Colle, Gravina,
Leverano, Lizzano, Locorotondo, Martina or Martina
Franca, Matino, Moscato di Trani, Nardò, Negro Amaro
di Terra d’Otranto, Orta Nova, Ostuni, Primitivo di
Manduria, Rosso Barletta, Rosso di Canosa, Rosso di
Cerignola, Salice Salentino, San Severo and Squinzano,
Tavoliere delle Puglie and Terre d’Otranto. These are
complemented by the IGTs Puglia, Daunia, Murgia,
Puglia, Brindisi, Salento, Tarantino and Valle d’Itria.
Puglia boasts very varied soil types with an extensive
footprint which is perfect for wine growing. The defining
factor is the climate – this region is one of the sunniest
in Italy and Europe. The sea also plays a fundamental
role since Puglia is surrounded by over 800 kilometres of
coastline. These factors can be combined with altitude,
which can reach over 400 metres above sea level.
From a winemaking perspective, the wines range from the
traditional method to passiti (dessert wines made from
partially dried grapes) and natural sweet wines to fullbodied,
elegant reds and fresh, fragrant whites. Puglia is
also the cradle of Italian rosé wines, and produced Italy’s
first rosé in 1943.
Boasting a wide variety of soil types, vine varieties, local
knowledge and ancient traditions, Puglia is one of the
most interesting regions on the Italian wine scene. The
following are some excellent examples of what the region
has to offer.
Puglia is not only famous for growing vines but also olive trees, viewed as
authentic natural monuments. Amastuola has thus preserved its ancient olive trees
AMASTUOLA
The Amastuola winery is one branch of the Kikau group, a
company founded in 1984 by Giuseppe Montanaro, who
runs it with his wife Rosaria and children Ilaria, Donato
and Filippo with their respective spouses Giuseppe, Anna
and Raffaella. They are united by their ability to innovate
while respecting history and tradition.
Known for its vineyards grown in «wave» formations
which have been the subject of international studies
and awards, the winery combines production, aesthetics
and tradition.
92 WINTER 2021 GILBERT & GAILLARD - THE FRENCH EXPERTS ON WINE