Castel del Monte lies in the heart of Puglia, the heel of the boot of Italy. Puglia is experiencing a wine renaissance and if there is a wine region within Puglia which best epitomizes the way this part of Italy can produce wines of exceptional refinement (despite Puglia’s long reputation as a producer of bulk wines) Castel del Monte is it.
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Geographically Castel del Monte has the advantage of rising altitude from the low plains of the coastal area and therefore cooler night-time temperatures and moderating breezes. But the climate is still one of extremes, with hot summer weather juxtaposed with potentially very harsh winter weather, and thus a need for skilful viticulture. What the winemakers in Castel del Monte have done, though, is harness a suite of very powerful indigenous grape varieties and thereby produce signature wines that are very much unique to this part of Italy.
Rivera Estate is the standard bearer for Castel del Monte wines and is one of the most prestigious of all Puglian wineries. Marco de Corato and his brother Sebastian currently run the estate. Marco and Rivera’s export manager, Raffaele lead us through an in-depth discussion of the wine varieties and the terroir of Castel del Monte and Puglia. If you get a chance to try their wines you will become an instant fan of Castel del Monte and Puglia!
Rivera Estate is located in Castel del Monte and is a short drive from the Puglian capital of Bari. The area is a great discovery for tourists, a little bit off the beaten path but boasting some of the prettiest villages and coastline in Italy. Visit the seaside town of Trani, the 2019 European Capital of Culture Matera with its ancient cave dwelling complexes, the bustling old town of Andria, Minervino Murge and so much more.
Links:
www.rivera.it
www.winesofpuglia.com
Also check out the instagram account for Pugliawine at www.facebook.com/pugliawineig/
Puglia Wine Regions
