FRA_GG_N46-WEB

ITALY
– DISCOVERY –
The Montanaro family runs the Amastuola winery, part
of the Kikau group, and honours both history and tradition
It is located behind the Valle d’Itria heading towards
the sea, around the Arco Ionico area. The climate
is Mediterranean, with temperatures mitigated by the
proximity of the sea and frequent sea breezes which
promote healthy vines. The area tends to be flat, with
low-lying hills inland, where the soils (‘red earth’) are
mainly limestone-clay. This is prime Primitivo land. The
vines, which are mostly bush-trained, grow vigorously,
ripen early and the fruit tends to develop high alcohol
content. Negroamaro is also significant and suited to the
local climate and soils, as is Aglianico and some white
varieties including Fiano di Puglia and Malvasia.
At Amastuola, the feeling is that the perception of
Puglian wine has improved considerably over the last
twenty years, as more and more wineries have focused
their efforts on producing quality wines. Demand for the
region’s wines, especially for Primitivo, has grown, so
much so that Primitivo is now one of the most popular
wines in the world. Amastuola produces about 200,000
bottles for its main markets that are the EU, Canada,
USA, China and Japan.
WINTER 2021 GILBERT & GAILLARD - THE FRENCH EXPERTS ON WINE 93