2006 Santa Lucia Vigna del Melograno Uva di Troia Castel del Monte

[Drew]

My first experience with the Uva di Troia grape.
Uva di Troia is a red wine grape variety grown in the Italian region of Puglia, particularly in the coastal areas around Barletta in the Province of Bari.

The name probably derives from the town of Troia in the Province of Foggia whose legendary founder was the Greek hero Diomedes, who had destroyed the ancient Troy. Synonyms include: Nero di Troia, Sumarello, Uva di Canosa, Uva di Barletta, Troiano, Tranese, and Uva della Marina.

Characteristics:
The vine is fairly vigorous and carries large, rather compact, pyramidal (sometimes “winged”) clusters of violet coloured grapes which ripen mid-season. It is adaptable to a variety of soils and does not suffer unduly from Puglia’s high temperatures, although hot winds may be cause problems.

Wines:
Uva di Troia may be used by itself or blended with such grapes as Bombino Nero, Montepulciano or Sangiovese. Where DOC wines are concerned, the grape is the principal component of the wines Rosso Barletta and Rosso Canosa; Castel del Monte may also be produced as a pure Uva di Troia varietal wine; it is also used in Cacc'e Mmitte di Lucera (35-60%), Orta Nova (up to 40%) and Rosso di Cerignola.

Very food friendly wine. Wonderful flavors of plum and dark cherry infused with hints of herb. Silky, very fine tannins and good acidity and a linguring finish. Good value for $11. 13.5%Alc/vol.

Drew

Bottle Pic:
https://www.de-vino.com/product_image/large/1068.jpg

[hotwine]

Superb note, Drew! Will try to find it locally. Sounds like the grape might even flourish in our semi-arid climate. Thanky kindly.

[wondersofwine]

Another unfamiliar Italian variety that sound worth seeking.