Uva di Troia

Uva di Troia is a red grape of Puglia, particularly the northern part of the region around places such as Andria and Barletta. Nero di Troia is the name frequently used on bottles. It offers a different expression of the region from the more internationally familiar Primitivo and Negroamaro, rather than being another name for either.

The wines can have a firm structure and considerable presence, whether bottled alone or included in a local blend. That means ripeness, extraction and maturation deserve attention when choosing a bottle. A producer can make a more direct fruit-led wine or a substantial red intended for a rich meal, so the southern origin does not guarantee a soft texture.

Try a dry Nero di Troia with roast lamb, beef, mushrooms or a dish carrying a rich tomato sauce. A young structured bottle may benefit from some air before dinner. If you prefer less oak or softer tannin, ask about the specific wine instead of treating the familiar word Nero as a complete style description shared by several unrelated Italian grapes.