Gravina Wine Region Guide

Gravina wine region is one of the most intriguing wine districts in Puglia since it consists of undulating hills, whereas the rest of Puglia is largely flat and coastal. The name "Gravina" is derived from the Latin word "ravine," which refers to the gorge on the town's western outskirts. Although the region is modest compared to adjacent wine regions, it produces some of the best white, red, Spumante, and dessert wines. Gravina is mostly a white wine-producing region but produces sparkling, sweet, red, and spumante wines. The region was designated as a DOC in 1983 and today produces approximately 400 hectoliters of wine.

Check out the best wine tastings and tours in Gravina!

Where is the Gravina wine region?

Gravina wine region is located along the river bank of Gravina in the western area of the Alta Murgia national park in the Bari Province. The region is a sub-region of the Puglia wine region just southwest of Gioia del Colle and south of Rosso Barletta, Rosso Canosa, Castel del Monte, and Moscato di Trani. The vineyards are concentrated around the cities of Gravina and Pggiorsini extending to the border of the Basilicata wine region. The region also covers some small areas of Altamura and Spinazzola. 

History of the Gravina wine region

Because of the abundance of wood and water, human settlement in the Gravina region dates back to the Paleolithic epoch. Because the territory is on the path from Rome to Brindisi, the Greeks colonized it during the Greater Greece movement. Byzantines, Lombards, and North African Muslims later governed Gravina. Gravina has a long and illustrious history of viticulture and winemaking. The region was particularly famous in medieval times, hence Emperor Frederick II erected his private castle in the area and named it "Grana dat a vina" which translates to "it offers wheat and wine". Saint George's Fair, one of Europe's oldest fairs, has been held in the region since 1294.

The terroir and geography of the Gravina wine region

The vineyards are situated at an altitude of 380m and 610m on the northern territory along the ridge. Due to its altitude, the region is cool allowing grapes to develop fruitier and fresher elements. The grapes are characterized by higher acidity with moderate tannins. The soil of the Gravina wine region is mostly clay based with hints of limestones, rich in minerals. The topology of Gravina is very much similar to the Greco di Tufo of Campania wine region, a much-reputed region in the wine world. 

Popular grape varieties from the Gravina wine region

Greco is the major grape variety of the region which has been cultivated in the region for centuries. The region also grows other local grape varieties as well as international grapes. Grape varietals that grow in the Gravina wine region are as follows:

Red Varietals: Montepulciano, Primitivo, Aglianico, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Uva di Troia, and Primitivo.

White varietals: Greco, Malvasia, Chardonnay, Fiano, Verdeca, and Bianco di Alessano.

Food to pair with Gravina wine 

Sashimi

Sashimi is a Japanese delicacy consisting of very fresh raw fish or seafood sliced into thin pieces. Sashimi is a Japanese dish that consists of very fresh raw fish or seafood sliced into thin pieces. Sashimi is often served with soy sauce and wasabi paste and sometimes ginger too. Some sashimi is also served with sake, soy sauce, wasabi paste, and ginger in small cups for dipping. Sashimi can be made from any type of seafood or meat that is raw and fresh enough to be eaten without cooking it first.

Calamari

Calamari is a type of squid that is prepared in a variety of ways, including frying, boiling, baking, or calamari salad. It can be served as an appetizer, main course, or side dish. Calamari can be grilled, fried, boiled, baked, or steamed. The term may also refer to the squid family in general (as opposed to octopus). It is not clear when, where, and how the dish was first invented. There are many theories about its origin, but none of them have been proven yet. It is most likely that the dish was named after its resemblance to squid tentacles.

Oysters

Oysters are a popular seafood item and can be eaten raw or cooked. They are often served on a half-shell with lemon juice, cocktail sauce, or mignonette sauce. Oysters are bivalve mollusks that live in salt water. Oysters have been consumed by humans for thousands of years and were one of the first types of food to be farmed. Oysters are a delicacy that is enjoyed by many people around the world. They are thought to be aphrodisiacs and also have a number of health benefits. Oysters can also be served with a cream sauce, chives, and shallots.

Places to visit in the Gravina wine region

Gravina Cathedral

Gravina Cathedral is a Roman Catholic cathedral built in the 11th century in Gravina, Apulia, Italy. The cathedral was the seat of the Gravina Diocese and the co-cathedral of the Altamura-Gravina-Acquaviva delle Fonti Diocese. Humphrey of Hauteville, count of Apulia and Calabria, commissioned the creation of this magnificent work of art. Arson and an earthquake struck the cathedral in the mid-15th century. It has been restored in the Renaissance-Romanesque style. Bishop Matteo d'Aquino designed the current appearance. The Altarpieces were created in the 17th century. Visit this magnificent cathedral while in the Gravina wine area.

Gravina Sotterranea

Gravina Sotterranea is an important tourist destination in the Apulia region. The underground network beneath Murgia city is a remarkable heritage. This underground network is an example of civil engineering that was left to rot for centuries before being rebuilt. Discover the hidden life beneath Gravina, where time has stood still. The site provides a one-hour tour of the underground network, where you will uncover many underground sites.

Check out the best wineries in Gravina!

Frequently asked questions about Gravina