In the 1970s the famous Antinori family took to bending the Chianti winemaking rules and created what has been dubbed the Super Tuscan. However, Tuscany is not the only wine region that the Antinori family decided to blend tradition with innovation. In 1998, the Antinori family moved beyond Tuscany and invested in Southern Italy’s up-and-coming region, Puglia (Apulia). Situated in the heel of Italy’s boot, Puglia has two major viticultural areas. The northern terrain above Brindisi and Taranto is hilly with a moderate temperature that produces mostly dry wines from native grapes such as Uva di Troia and Bombino Nero. Wines from this area tend to have good acidity, flavorful fruit, and aromatic bouquets. Salento, the southern peninsula of Puglia, has warm sea breezes and low hills. The area produces powerful inky reds such as Primitivo, a native varietal which is related to California’s Zinfandel (Source: The Wines of Italy). Not only do the two major regions of Puglia grow superb native varietals, viticulturists have had increasing success with foreign ones like Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay. With the Antinori philosophy of experimenting with tradition, the Tormaresca estate vineyards (named after the many towers that line the coast of Puglia) became the perfect place to explore new terroirs.Like the “Super Tuscans,” the wines from Tormaresca prove that blending native and foreign grapes produces superior wines that express both the region’s unique characteristics and the winemaker’s creativity. The current 2008 release of Tormareca’s Neprica, a blend of native grapes, Negroamaro and Primitivo, with the non-native Cabernet Sauvignon, is an example of an Antinori “Super Puglian.” The Negroamaro gives the wine its ripe fruit flavors and the Primitivo delivers a touch of spice, while the newcomer Cabernet Sauvignon balances the native grapes’ acidity, offers a hint of chocolate, and adds some tannic backbone. The Neprica, with its rich berry fruits, balanced acidity and tannins, pairs well with hard cheeses, mushroom pizza, grilled chicken, and lamb chops with onions and olives. Although many wines of the region are blends, Tormaresca is not afraid to tackle the pure essence of single-varietals as well. The 2008 100% Chardonnay offers good acidity, exotic fruit, and a touch of caramel and wood. This wine pairs well with white fish like tilapia or shellfish like mussels. Its acidity also makes it versatile enough to go with lasagna or spaghetti bolognaise. Southern Italian wines continue to improve in quality and production. As a region on the watch, the wines of Puglia are becoming more available in the United States and are still affordable. Retailing for about $12 each, both wines make for a wonderful holiday gift. Rhode Islanders can find the Neprica and the Chardonnay at the Savory Grape in East Greenwich.
