The Tavoliere delle Puglie is one of the great wine-growing plains of northern Puglia, stretching between the slopes of the Dauni Mountains, the Gargano, the northern Murgia region near Bari and the Adriatic Sea. The landscape, which is predominantly flat but becomes more undulating towards San Severo, Cerignola and the hilly areas, offers varied conditions in terms of sun exposure, ventilation and grape ripening.
The climate is distinctly Mediterranean, with mild winters, long, hot and dry summers, and mild, rainy autumns. On the plain, the contrast between the air currents coming from the hills and the proximity of the sea promotes good ventilation and helps to keep humidity levels low in the vineyard. The abundance of sunlight and the temperature regime support full ripening, which is particularly suited to black grape varieties.
The soils are the result of alternating marine and alluvial deposits: clay and clay-loam soils predominate, often deep and capable of retaining water, alongside sandy-loam and sandy-clay substrates, as well as areas influenced by limestone. This variety of soil types helps to shape the structure, aromatic intensity and freshness of the wines.
The area’s flagship grape variety is Nero di Troia, found within the Tavoliere delle Puglie appellation both as a single-varietal wine and as the predominant component in the Rosso and Rosato versions. In the wines, it expresses intense colour, aromas of red and dark fruit, violets, spices and liquorice, with a tannic structure that can become elegant and harmonious through ageing. The Riserva versions undergo a prolonged ageing period, including in oak, which enhances their depth and longevity.
The winemaking tradition has its roots in the history of Daunia and has developed through training systems such as the alberello, Guyot and spurred cordon, now complemented by modern techniques for vine canopy management and winemaking, aimed at preserving the region’s identity, balance and distinctiveness.