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Castel del Monte is a wine region in Puglia, Italy. It is well known for its wines made from the Uva di Troia grape. This sub-region is situated on the Adriatic coast, which provides a unique terroir for the grapes grown in this area. The name of this esteemed wine region is derived from the famous fort that Frederic II constructed in the 13th century on the western tablelands of Puglia. Castel del Monte citadel is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site with the description “unique piece of medieval military architecture”.

Puglia is going through a wine revolution and the Castel del Monte DOC is a perfect example of newfound finesse that exemplifies all aspects of Puglian wine production.

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Where is Castel del Monte Wine Region?

The Castel del Monte region is located in the hills above the main city of Bari and is within striking distance of many other world-class wine districts. It is surrounded by the Campania and Basilicata regions. Aglianico del Vulture, one of Southern Italy's most renowned wine areas, is located nearby and shares the volcano's steep flanks and fertile soils with Castel del Monte.

The History of the Castel del Monte Wine Region

Castel del Monte has a long history of wine production. The first evidence of wine production dates to the Roman era and has been found in the ruins of an ancient Roman villa near Castel del Monte. In 1971, Castel del Monte was recognized as an Italian DOC appellation for wines made from grapes grown in this region. 

Terroir of Castel del Monte

Soils of Castel de Monte consist mainly of limestone and clay loam that create favorable conditions for viticulture. Clay-loan and limestone soils provide good drainage and help vines to increase grape quality and resilience during drought. The climate of Castel del Monte is mainly Mediterranean with hot summers and mild winters that create low annual differences between the hottest and coldest months. The Mediterranean climate is favorable for good quality grape growing that produces fuller-bodied wines with riper tannins and higher alcohol content. 

Wine Characteristics of Castel del Monte Wine

The Castel del Monte wine has a deep, vibrant red color. It has aromas of berries and cherries, with hints of chocolate and black pepper on the finish. It is the first wine of Puglia that has been awarded DOC status, thanks to the characteristic intensity and elegance of its wines. This appellation also produces white wines made from Bombino Bianco grapes in lesser volumes but is primarily known for its reds. The Uva di Troia, a powerful wine, best represents this region of Puglia.

  •  Uva di Troia (also known as, Nero di Troia ) - This grape variety is typically grown in Southern Italy, specifically Apulia and Basilicata. It is characterized by its thick skin and strong tannins. This makes it a perfect wine for aging, giving it a great flavor and color. 
  • Montepulciano - These grapes are one of the most widely planted red varieties in Italy. Montelulciano is mainly grown in the Abruzzo, Marche, and Umbria regions. The wines made from Montepulciano grapes have a deep dark color with cherry and blackberry flavors that linger on the palate. These grapes are often blended with Uva di Troia to gain the elegance of the wine.
  • Aglianico - This grape is native to Southern Italy and is mainly grown in Basilicata. The grape has a long history and is sometimes called "Aglianico del Vulture." It is renowned for producing robust red wines with firm tannins and good aging potential that exhibit musky cherry notes. Aglianico is a particularly important vine in the Mediterranean because it can maintain high levels of acidity even when planted in hot temperatures.

Food to Pair with Castel del Monte wine

Ragù alla Pugliese

Ragù alla Pugliese is a traditional Italian sauce, originating from the region of Apulia. It is made with tomatoes, onions, carrots, and celery. The vegetables are sautéed in olive oil until they soften and then tomato paste is added to the pot. The sauce is left to simmer until it becomes thick and flavorful. The dish typically contains ground beef, but it can also be made with other meats such as lamb or rabbit. The meat is browned in a skillet before being added to the pot with the vegetables and tomato paste.

Lasagne alla Bolognese

Lasagne is a dish that originated in Italy and is traditionally made with pasta layered with a ragù sauce of ground beef, pork, and tomatoes. There are many variations of this dish throughout the world, but typically it has three layers: pasta on the bottom, ragù in the middle, and Parmesan cheese on top.

Veal with Tuna Sauce

This dish is a classic Italian dish that is typically served as an appetizer. The veal and tuna sauce is both light and delicate, so the red wine should be light and fruity to balance out the flavor. The dish is usually served with pasta or rice, but it can also be served with crackers or bread.

Places to Visit in Castel del Monte Wine Region

Castel del Monte Wine Region is a beautiful place to visit. The region is popular for its preserved medieval architecture and many wineries. 

Castel del Monte

Castel del Monte is a medieval octagonal citadel near the town of Andria in the Apulia region of southeastern Italy. The medieval castle was built in the 1200s and has become one of Puglia's most popular tourist attractions. It is located on a hilltop overlooking the Adriatic sea and is one of the most important examples of Puglian architecture. Castel del Monte has been through many expansions, loss of land, and changes throughout its history. The castle is still capable of housing the whole population of a small city today thanks to the innovative use of the surrounding area in which the castle is located.

Sanctuary of the Madonna dell'Altomare

The sanctuary of the Madonna dell'Altomare is a Catholic sanctuary in the city of Andria. It is situated on a hill overlooking the old quarter, with a panoramic view of the valley and the sea and with views of the surrounding mountains. The church has undergone many changes since it was built, the current building was renovated in 1875. It is a popular tourist destination for people from all over the world. You can visit the sanctuary to see one of the largest frescoes in Italy.

Dolmen of Chianca

The Dolmen of Chianca is a prehistoric monument located in the town of Bisceglie. It is one of the most famous prehistoric monuments in the world and is considered one of the most important megalithic structures in Europe. The monument is a dolmen, consisting of three capstones supporting a small chamber.

Frequently Asked Questions about Castel del Monte Wine Region

Why is Castel del Monte famous?

Castel del Monte is a wine appellation and a castle in Andria, near Bari, in the Apulia region of Italy. The castle was built by the Holy Roman Emperor Frederick II, who had inherited the lands from his mother Constance of Sicily. The region is famous for its medieval architecture and wine production.

Where is Castel del monte?

The Castel del Monte is a medieval castle in Apulia, Italy, built in the 1200s. It is one of the most famous castles in Italy and one of the best-preserved examples of Italian medieval architecture.

What region is Castel del Monte in?

Castel del Monte is a southern Italian wine region in Apulia.

Map of Wineries in Castel del Monte

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Just getting started on your wine journey, or jumping back in?
Taste through a selection of a great local wines.

Wineries in Castel del Monte