Negroamaro, often called the “ King of Salento” , stands as a bold and mysterious grape, intertwining with centuries-old winemaking traditions in southern Italy’s Puglia region. Its lineage traces back to Roman antiquity.
This dark-skinned grape variety is renowned for crafting high-quality, full-bodied wines. It boasts medium tannins and acidity, elevated alcohol levels, and rich flavours, including black cherry, black plum, blackberry, prune, dried thyme, liquorice and tobacco. This amalgamation of flavours creates a captivating sensory journey for wine enthusiasts.
Where is Negroamaro from?
Negroamaro, a grape variety closely associated with Italy’s Puglia region, boasts a history that traces back to ancient times.. The name Negroamaro,which translates to ’black and bitter’ in Italian, reflects the grape’s deep color and robust character.
It is believed that Negroamaro grape made its way to Puglia during the period of Greek colonization, likely through what is now modern-day Albania. While a small amount of Negroamaro grape is also grown in California and Australia it is mostly associated with the "heel" of Italy's Booth.
Interesting story about Negroamaro
Negroamaro words origin is a dispute: some propose a straightforward derivation from “Negro”(black) and “amaro”(bitter), while others argue for a Greek origin, “mavro”(black), highlighting Puglia’s historical ties to Greece.
Negroamaro should be distinguished from Negramoll, another red wine grape variety, native to Iberian Peninsula and is particularly prominent on the island of Madeira. These two grape varieties are distinct in terms of their origins, characteristics and the regions where they flourish.
Negroamaro also goes by synonyms, such as Negro Amaro, Nigramaro, Negramaro, Amaro Nero, and Nicra Amaro.
Negroamaro grape characteristics
Negroamaro grape is a drought resistant variety which flourished in the parched Mediterranean climate of Italy’s Puglia peninsula, where the rainfall is limited. Negroamaro Grape thrives particularly well in clay and limestone soils, it showcases its adaptability in this arid environment.
One key characteristic of Negroamaro grape is its deep, dark color, which imparts a rich, intense hue to the wines. It’s a thick-skinned grape which thrives in the warm Mediterranean climate of Puglia, resulting in wines with high alcohol content and moderate to high tannins. In terms of flavor, Negroamaro grapes offer a captivating complexity. They present a medley of dark fruit notes, such as blackberry and plum, harmoniously intertwined with spicy accents of black pepper and tobacco. Moreover, subtle hints of dried herbs and earthy undertones contribute further depth to this exceptional grape.
Negroamaro Wines
Negroamaro grape appeal lies in its deep color and medium to full tannins, attributes that are well-suited for crafting both red and rosé wines. This grape variety can be showcased either as a 100% varietal wine or blend, often with Malvasia Nera, Montepulciano, Sangiovese, and Primitivo.
What makes Negroamaro wine truly captivating is its versatility. Whether savored in its youthful form, boasting vibrant fruit-forward notes, or patiently aged to unlock complexity and velvety texture, these wines cater to a wide spectrum of tastes.
In essence, negroamaro wines encapsulate the rich legacy and the sun-drenched Mediterranean ambiance of Puglia, delivering wines of depth, character and an enduring connection to their Italian roots.
The Best Negroamaro are found in Salice Salentino DOC. The other expression can be found in Brindi , Copertino, Leverano, Squinzano and Terra d'Otranto.
Where to find the best Negroamaro Wines
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Puglia
Here are some wineries in Puglia where you can taste the best Negroamaro :
Mendocino
Here are some wineries in Mendocino where you can taste the best Negroamaro :
Riverland
Here are some wineries in Riverland where you can taste the best Negroamaro:
- Salena Estate Wines
- 919 Wines
What to pair with Negroamaro Wine?
The best examples of Negroamaro food pairing are local delicacies Panzarotti and orecchiette, where the versatility of Negroamaro wines shines with.
Negroamaro wine forms a perfect companion to the robust and flavorful cuisine of Puglia.
They harmonize wonderfully with dishes featuring tomato-based sauces, Grilled Meats, and spicy charcuterie, enhancing the dining experience with the rich flavors and well structured profiles.
When it comes to cheese , Negroamaro’s affinity extends to aged treasures like caciocavallo and Pallone di Gravina, creating a delightful synergy that captures the essence of Puglia’s gastronomic traditions.Whether you're savoring a hearty pasta dish or indulging in the region's diverse culinary offerings, Negroamaro wines elevate every bite, making them an integral part of Puglia's culinary.
