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Gioia del Colle is a wine region in Italy known for its elaborate history and renowned reputation. The geographic area of this DOC granted in 1987 centers around Gioia del Colle town, which is located on the Murge plateau at a height of 360 meters above sea level. The climate, soil, and winemaking techniques that make Gioia del Colle’s wine region, unique can be found nowhere else in italy or the world for that matter. Gioia del Colle’s wine has an unparalleled elegance and is known for its sense of style. This wine region is known for being one of the best places to drink quality wine.

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Where is the Gioia del Colle Wine Region

Gioia del Colle is in Bari, Apulia, southern Italy. It is located on the Murge plateau at 360 metres above sea level, between the Adriatic and Ionian Seas.

History of Gioia del Colle Wine

In the late 18th century, a local priest Francesco Filippo Indelicati identified a grape that matured prematurely.  He named his grape Primitivo from the Latin word primativus, which means ‘first to ripen’. A 2008 DNA study shows that Primitivo has roots in Montenegro with some relation to the Kratošija grape.

Terrior of Gioia del Colle

Gioia del Colle wine region is close to the Adriatic Sea and the Gulf of Taranto. The climate here is hot and dry with temperatures regularly exceeding 40°Celsius. Vines at vineyards can be grown on hills, which gives them enough sunlight and protection against heat. By gardening at slightly higher altitudes, the risk of water stress is minimized and will help keep a consistent acidity level. The soil is composed of thin layers of red earth mixed with limestone and silica. However, there are monolithic blocks which prevent high evapotranspiration from happening, so the environment is sustainable. The geographical location and the climate are perfect for grapevines to grow.

Gioia del Colle Wine Characteristics 

The wines produced under this title are typically bold, high in tannins. Most wines produced in Puglia are high in alcohol and have a strong fruity taste. Principal red grape varieties are Aleatico, Malvasia Nera, Montepulciano, Negroamaro, Primitivo, Sangiovese and Principal White Grape Variety is Trebbiano. Gioia del Colle wines come in four styles: red, white, rosato, and dessert wines. Minimum alcohol level is 10.5% for Bianco; 11.0% for Rosato; 11.5% for Rosso; 13.0% for Primitivo; 13.0% for Aleatico Dolce; 14.0% for Primitivo Riserva; 16.0% for Aleatico Liquoroso Dolce. Gioia del Colle produces some of the most beautiful, age-worthy wines in the world thanks to its climate and viticulture techniques.

Food to pair with Gioia del Colle Wine

1. Orecchiette con cime di rapa

One of the most popular Italian pasta dishes, orecchiette with broccoli rabe is particularly popular in Bari. Orecchiette are good for scooping the pieces from boiling vegetables and pasta. This rich, rustic dish is enriched with freshly-grated Pecorino Romano and a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes. Orecchiette Pasta is best enjoyed while it's most fresh. The flavor and texture are at the peak of perfection, best served with a generous drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil. It pairs well with Gioia del Colle wines.

2. Tiella di riso, patate e cozze

It typically includes rice, potatoes, mussels, onions and tomatoes with some kind of seasoning. Olive oil, salt, parsley and pepper are commonly used in this dish along with garlic. Using additional ingredients such as various seasonal vegetables, breadcrumbs, or Pecorino cheese can make a dinner even better. And the variations of the dish use different types of seafood. In Italy, a tiella is traditionally prepared with ingredients that have a lot of variety depending on the region where it's being made, which explains why some people think it's a sort of focaccia. with or without a filling, and it can be a stew or a layered casserole made with or without crust. It pairs friendly with Gioia del Colle wines.

3. Crema del re

A family-owned Mokambo pastry shop in Ruvo di Puglia's Crema del Re has been preparing a historic gelato for decades, using a secret recipe. As the story goes, a pastry chef Luigi Marseglia moved to Ruvo in the early 20th century to follow his bride. Marseglia was a pastry chef at the historical café Gambrinus in Naples, and in Ruvo, he shared his passion and skills. When people wanted crème caramel they had to come see him first! In 1967, Vincenzo Reti opened the Mokambo bar on st. Charles Avenue in New Orleans. Although it closed in the 1990s, it was reopened by his grandchildren and is currently still operating and serving this famed gelato flavor.

Places to visit near Gioia del Colle

1. Badia di San Lorenzo

Badia di San Lorenzo is an unfinished abbey complex that still has components of the church that remain today. The recovery of the ancient San Lorenzo's Abbey in central Tuscany is bringing back a long-lost tradition, which is to visit the chapel on foot beginning at dawn on August 10th.

2. Tenuta Albenzio 1620 Masseria Pietro Rossi

The Tenuta Albenzio Masseria Pietre Rossi was built in 1620. It was subsequently enlarged by Luigi Castellucci, an architect and engineer considered one of the most important exponents of the architecture of nineteenth century.

Frequently asked questions about Gioia del Colle Wine Region

Where is Gioia del Colle?

Gioia del Colle is on top of the Murgia plateau at an altitude of approximately 320 meters and it’s bordered by the ankle of Italy’s heel.

What are the most common grape varieties in Gioia del Colle?

In Gioia del Colle, the most common grape varieties are: Aleatico, Malvasia Nera, Montepulciano, Negroamaro, Primitivo, Sangiovese and Trebbiano.
 

What kind of wine is Gioia del Colle?

Gioia del Colle is red, white, rosato and dessert wines.

Map of Wineries in Gioia del Colle

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Experiences in Gioia del Colle

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

Wineries in Gioia del Colle