Negroamaro is one of the iconic grape varieties of Puglia and Salento, where its presence is linked to a long winemaking tradition. Its origins are generally traced back to the Ionian region and the spread of the vine during the Greek colonisation; the name itself probably refers to the very dark colour of the skins, through the combination of terms relating to ‘black’ in Latin and Greek. The leaf is large, pentagonal, often five-lobed, with a thick, wrinkled and slightly cupped margin, whilst the bunch is medium-sized, short, conical or truncated-conical and tightly packed. The berry, medium to large and obovoid, has a thick, firm and pruinose skin, black-purple in colour, and juicy flesh with a simple, sweet flavour. The grape variety is particularly widespread in the provinces of Lecce, Brindisi and Taranto, and is also found in other areas of Apulia and southern Italy. Wines made from 100% Negroamaro have an intense ruby-red colour, with vinous and fruity aromas, evoking blackberries, black cherries and plums, which may be complemented by spicy and balsamic notes. On the palate, they display good structure, balance, freshness and harmonious tannins. Negroamaro is also well-suited to the production of bright, fragrant rosés; in its more structured and age-worthy versions, it develops complexity and good ageing potential.
